Indian Patents
Title of Invention

INFORMATION RECORDING APPARATUS AND METHODS, INFORMATION REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND METHOD, RECORDING MEDIUM, AND INFORMATION RECORDING MEDIUM
Abstract Provided is an information recording apparatus which, in a state where the content of moving picture image information, etc. can be prevented from being inadvertently recognized by the user due to inadvertent presentation to the user of a relevant representative picture image, enables recording the respective information into a recording medium. A reproduction list (PL) that is to be reproduced in not only recorded into an optical disc (1) but is there also recorded in it a reproduction list display prohibition flag (PHF) indicating at least whether limiting the display of a representative picture image that represents the content of the reproduction list (PL).
Full Text INFORMATION RECORDING APPARATUS AND METHOD,
INFORMATION REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND METHOD,
RECORDING MEDIUM, AND INFORMATION RECORDING MEDIUM
Technical Field
The present invention relates tO an apparatus for and
a method of recording information, an apparatus for and a method
of reproducing information, a recording medium, and an
information recording medium and, more particularly, to an
apparatus for and a method of recording information which are
intended, in order that information recorded in a recording
medium may Joe reproduction-control: ed, to record this
information, an apparatus for and a method of reproducing
information which are intended to reproduce the information
that has been recorded while performing reproduction control
with respect to it, aridarecordingmediumt aving recorded therein
the information recording program, or information reproducing
program, or information for perform: ng the reproduction
control.
Background Art
In recent years, information recording/reproducing
apparatuses which enable moving picture image information to
be recorded into a large capacity of recording medium such as
a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) , etc. and at the same time enable
such moving picture image information to be reproduced have
been being generalized.
And, in each of those information recording/reproducing
apparatuses , it is constructed in the way in which, as described,
for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2000-35375, for making easy the search, etc. of the respective
'moving picture image information that has been recorded, a
representative picture image (the "thumb-nail picture image")
symbolically representing the content of the respective moving
picture image information is recorded in the recording medium
separately from that moving picture image information; and,
when reproducing the respective moving picture image
information, the corresponding representative picture image
is displayed in advance of the time when performing that
reproduction to thereby enable a searching of the moving picture
image information, etc. to be reproduced.
On the other hand, in the above-described information
recording/reproducing apparatus, in a case where reproducing
a recording medium having recorded therein specified moving
picture image information, etc. (hereinafter referred to,
simply, as "the specified moving picture image information,
etc.") the presentation of which ro a person whose age is below
18 for example is prohibited, in many cases a function to limit
the execution of the reproduction processing of the specified
moving picture image information, etc. is added to the
information recording/reproducing apparatus as the function
of this apparatus itself.
However, in the construction of the above-described
conventional information recording/reproducing apparatus,
although, indeed, executing the reproduction processing of the
specified moving picture image information, etc. itself can
be limited, up to the reproduction of the above-described
representative picture image corresponding to that specified
moving picture image information, etc. is not limited. As a
result, there was the problem that it is impossible to hide
the content of the specified moving picture image information.
Further , regarding the moving picture image information ,
etc. containing therein very personal information, as well,
similarly, although executing the reproduction processing of
that information, etc. itself can be limited, there was the
problem that it is impossible to limit up to the reproduction
of the representative picture image corresponding to the content
of that information, etc.
Disclosure of Invention
Thereupon, the present invention has been made in view
of the above-described points in problem and has an object to
provide an apparatus for and a method of recording information
which, in a state where, as a result of the fact that a
representative picture image is inadvertently presented to the
user, the content of the moving picture image information, ere.
can be prevented from being inadvertently recognized by the
user, can record the respective information into a relevant
recording medium, an apparatus for and a method of reproducing
information which can reproduce that respective information
that has been recorded while performing reproduction limitation
with respect thereto, and a recording medium having recorded
therein the informatior recording program, information
reproducing program, or information for use for the performance
of the control of that reproduction.
In order to solve the above problems, a first invention
is an information recording apparatus being provided with: a
reproduction information recording device that records
reproduction information into a recording medium; and a
reproduction list recording device that records a reproduction
list for controlling a reproduction situation of the
reproduction information when the reproduction information is
reproduced; wherein the reproduction list includes a
presentation control information that indicates whether the
presentation of a content information indicating the content
of the reprcduction information is limited.
According to the first invention, since, by limiting the
presentation of the content information according to the
presentation control information including the reproduction
list that has been recorded, it is possible to control the
presentation of the content information according to the content
of the reproduction information, it is possible to prevent the
content of the reproduction information from being
inadvertently recognized by the user due to the inadvertent
presentation of the content information with respect to the
user.
Moreover, one preferred embodiment of the first invention
is characterized in that the content information is an
information which is presented in advance of starting the
reproduction processing of the reproduction information based
on the reproduction list.
According to the embodiment since the content
information is presented in advance of the time when starting
the reproduction processing of the reproduction information
based on the reproduction list, and since, therefore, the
presentation of the content information, according to the
presentation control information that has been recorded, is
limited, it is possible to control the presentation of the content
information in advance of the reproduction processing of the
reproduction information.
Further, one preferred embodiment of the first invention
is characterized in that the presentation control information
is an information which indicates further -whether the

reproduction of the reproduction information based on the
reproduction list is limited.
According to the embodiment, since the presentation
control information has a meaning which concerns whether
limiting the reproduction processing, base on the reproduction
list, itself of the reproduction information, and since,
therefore, the reproduction processing of the reproduction
information itself as well as the presentation of the content
information is limited according to the presentation control
information, it is possible to prevent the content of the
reproduction information from being inadvertently recognized
by the user.
Further, one preferred embodiment of the first invention
is characterized in that the content information includes at
least one of a representative picture image information that
corresponds to a representative picture image that represents
an image contained in the reproduction information, a title
information that corresponds to a title representing the
reproduction information, a gist information indicating the
gist of the reproduction information, and a time/date
information indicating a time/date regarding the reproduction
information , wherein the reproduction information is reproduced
based on the reproduction list.
According to the embodiment, since the content
information contains therein at least one of the representative
picture image, title information, gist information, and
time/date information, it is possible to prevent that
representative picture image, etc. from being inadvertently
presented with respect to the user.
In order to solve the above problems, a second invention
is an information reproducing apparatus for reproducing a
recording medium comprising: a reproduction information
recording region in which a reproduction information is
recorded; and a reproduction list recording region in which
a reproduction list, which is for controlling a reproduction
situation of the reproduction information when the reproduction
information is reproduced, is recorded; wherein the
reproduction list includes a presentation control information,
which indicates whether the presentation of content information
indicating the content of the reproduction information is
limited; the information reproducing apparatus comprising: a
detection device that detects the reproduction list from the
recording medium; and a limitation device that limits the
presentation of the content information based on the
presentation control information which is included in the
detected reproduction list.
According to the second invention; since detecting the
presentation control information including in the reproduction
list that has been recorded and limiting, according to the
limitation content indicated by that presentation control
information, either the reproduction processing or the
presentation of the content information, it 13 possible to
control the presentation of the content information according
to the content of the reproduction information and it is possible
to prevent the content of the reproduction information from
being inadvertently recognized by the user due to the inadvertent
presentation of the content information with respect to the
user.
In order to solve the above problems, a third invention
is an information recording method being provided with: a
reproduction information recording process of recording
reproduction information into a recording medium; and a
reproduction list recording process of recording a reproduction
list for controlling a reproduction situation of the
reproduction information when the reproduction information;
wherein the reproduction list includes a presentation control
information that indicates whether the presentation of content
information indicating the content of the reproduction
information is limited.
According to the third invention, since, by limiting the
presentation of the content information according to the
presentation control information including the reproduction
list that has been recorded, it is possible to control the
presentation of the content information according to the content
of the reproduction information, it is possible to prevent the
content of the reproduction information from being
inadvertently recognized by the user due -;o the inadvertent
presentation of the content information with respect to the
user.
Ir. order to solve the above problems, a forth invention
is an information reproducing method for reproducing a recording
medium, wherein: the recording medium comprising: a
reproduction information recording region in which a
reproduction information is recorded; and a reproduction list
recording region in which a reproduction list, which is for
controlling a reproduction situation of the reproduction
information when the reproduction information is reproduced,
is recorded; wherein the .reproduction list includes a
presentation control information, which indicates whether the
presentation of content information indicating the content of
the reproduction information is limited; the information
reproducing method being provided with: a detection process
of detecting the reproduction list from the recording medium.;
and a limitation process cf limiting the presentation of trie
content information based on the presentation control
informerion which is included in the detected reproduction list .
Aocording to the forth invention since detecting the:
presentation control information including the reproduction
list that: has been recorded and limiting, according to tn-
limitation content indicated by that presentation control.
information, either the reproduction pro:essing or the
presentation of the content information, it is possible to
control the presentation of the content information according
to the content of the reproduction information and it is possible
to prevent the content of the reproduction information from
being inadvertently recognized by the user due to the inadvertent
presentation of the content information with respect to the
user.
In order to solve the above problems, a fifth invention
is a recording control program that is execute on a computer
included in an information recording apparatus, wherein: a
reproduction information recording step for recording
reproduction information into a recording medium; and a
reproduction list recording step for recording a reproduction
list for controlling a reproduction situation of the
reproduction information when the reproduction information is
reDroduced; wherein the reproduction list includes a
presentation control information that, indicates whether the
oresentation of a content information indicating the content
of the reproduction information is limitec.
According to the fifth invention, the recording computer
reads out two recording control program, ana functions to
the presentation of the content information according to the
presentation central information including in the reproduction
list that has been recorded, it is possible to control the
presentation of the content information according to the content
of the reproduction information, it is possible tc prevent the
content of the reproduction information from being
inadvertently recognized by the user due to the inadvertent
presentation of the content information with respect to the
user.
In order to solve the above problems, a sixth invention
is a reproduction control program that is execute on a computer
included in an information reproducing apparatus for
reproducing a recording medium, wherein: said recording
medium comprising : a reproduction information recording region
in which there is recorded reproduction information; and a
reproduction list recording region in which a reproduction list,
which is for controlling a reproduction situation of the
reproduction information when the reproduction information is
reproduced, is recorded; wherein the reproduction list includes
a presentation control information, which indicates whether
the presentation of content information indicating the content
of the reproduction information is limited; said reproduction
control program comprising: a detection step for detecting the
reproduction list from the recording medium; and a limitation
step for limiting the presentation of the content information
based on the presentation control information which is included
in the detected reproduction list.
According to tne sixth invention, the reproducing
computer reads out the reproduction control program and
functions to detect the presentation control information
including the reproduction list that has been recorded and limit,
according to the limitation content indicated by that
presentation control information, either the reproduction
processing or the presentation of the content information, it
is possible to control the presentation of the content
information according to the content of the reproduction
information and it is possible to prevent the content of the
reproduction information from being inadvertently recognized
by the user due to the inadvertent presentation of the content
information with respect to the user.
In order to solve the above problems, a seventh invention
is an information recording medium. The information recording
medium records the information recording program described
above is recorded.
According to the seventh invention , the computer reads
out the program from the information recording medium and it
functions to limit the presentation of the content information
according to the presentation control, information including
the reproduction list that has been recorded, it is possible
to central the presentation of the content information according
to the content of the reproduction information, it is possible
to prevent the content of the reproduction iiiiormation
being inadvertently recognized oy trie user due to the inadvertent
presentation of the content information with respect to the
user.
In order to solve the above problems, a eighth invention
is an information recording medium. The information recording
medium records the information reproducing program described
above is recorded so as to be readable by the computer. Hence,
the above problems are solved.
According to the eighth invention, the computer reads
out the program from the information recording medium and it
functions to detect the presentation control information
including the reproduction list from the recording medium and
to limit the presentation of the content information based on
the detected presentation control information, it is possible
to control the presentation of the content information according
to the content of the-reproduction information and it is possible
to prevent the content of the reproduction information frorr
being inadvertently recognized, by the user due to the inadvertent
presentation of the content information with respec: to the
user.
In order to solve the above problems, a ninth invention
is an recording medium. The recording medium provided with:
a reproduction information recording region in which a
reproduction information is recorded; and a reproduction list
recording region m which a reproduction list, which is fcr
controlling a reproduction situation of the reproduction
information when the reproduction information is reproduced,
is recorded; wherein the reproduction list includes a
presentation control information, which indicates whether the
presentation of content information indicating the content of
the reproduction information is limited.
According to the ninth invention, since, by reading out
the presentation control information including in the
reproduction list being recorded in the reproduction list
recording region and thereby limiting the presentation of the
content information according to the presentation control
information, it is possible to control the presentation of the
content information according to the content of the reproduction
information, it is thereby possible to prevent the content of
the reproduction information from being inadvertently
recognized by the user due to the inadvertent presentation of
the content information with respect to the user.
Moreover , one preferred embodiment of the ninth invention
is characterized in that the content information is an
information which is presented in advance of starting the
reproduction processing of the reproduction information base:;
on the reproduction list.
According ;o the embodiment. since the content
information is presented advance cf the time, when starting
the reproduction processing of the reproduction information
based on the reproduction list, and since, therefore, the
presentation of the content information is limited, it is
possible to control the presentation of the content information
in advance of the reproduction processing of the reproduction
information.
Further, one preferred embodiment of the ninth invention
is characterized in that the presentation control information
is an information which indicates further whether the
reproduction of the reproduction information based on the
reproduction list is limited.
According to the embodiment, since the presentation
control information further has a meaning concerns whether
limiting the reproduction processing, based on the reproduction
list, itself of the reproduction information, by reading out
the presentation control information recorded in the
presentation control information recording region and thereby
limiting not only the presentation of the content informatior.
but also the reproduction processing of the reproduction
information itself according to the presentation control
information it is possible to prevent the content of the
reproduction information from being inadvertently recognized
by the user.
Further, one preferred embodiment of the ninth invention
is characterized in that the content information includes at
least one of a representative picture image information that
corresponds to a representative picture image that represents
an image contained in the reproduction information, a title
information that corresponds to a title representing the
reproduction information, a gist information indicating the gist
of the reproduction information, and a time/date information
indicating a time/date regarding the reproduction information,
wherein the reproduction information is reproduced based on the
reproduction list.
According to the embodiment, since the content information
contains therein at least one of the representative picture
image, title information, gist information, and time/date
information, it is possible to prevent that representative
picture image, etc. from being inadvertently presented to the
user.
Accordingly the present invention provides for an
information reproducing apparatus for reproducing a reproduction
information from a recording medium in which the reproduction
information, a reproduction list, and a presentation control
information are recorded, wherein the reproduction list is a list
for controlling a manner of reproduction that is executed when
reproducing the reproduction information; the presentation
control information at least indicates whether or not a display
of a representative picture image representing contents of the
reproduction information is prohibited wherein the
information reproducing apparatus comprises a controlling device
that displays, instead of the representative picture image to be
displayed, an alternative picture image at a location where the
representative picture image should be displayed, when the
presentation control information indicates that the display of
the representative picture image is prohibited, wherein the
alternative picture image makes contents of the representative
picture image unidentifiable.
Brief Description of Accompanying Drawings
Figure 1 is a view illustrating a recording format
according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic
construction of an information recording/reproducing apparatus
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the detailed
construction of a menu screen producing circuit according to the
first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating the recording process
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating the editing process
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating the reproduction list
display process according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 7 shows three examples of display of the menu screen
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in
which Figure 7A is a view illustrating examples of display (I) of
the menu screen according to the first embodiment of the present
invention, Figure 7B is a view illustrating examples of display
(II) of the menu screen according to the first
embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7C is a view
illustrating examples of display (III) of the menu screen
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 is a flow chart (II) illustrating the reproduction
list display process according to the first embodiment of the
present invention;
Figure 9 shows three examples of display of the menu screen
according to the first embodiment of the present invention,
in which Figure 9A is a view illustrating examples of display
(IV) of the menu screen according to the first embodiment of
the present invention, Figure 9B is a view illustrating examples
of dispXay (V) of the menu screen according to the first
embodiment of the present invention, Figure 9C is a view
illustrating examples of display (VI) of the menu screen
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating the reproduction
list selection process according to the first embodiment of
the present invention;
Figure 11 is a.flow chart illustrating the reproduction
process according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 12 is a view illustrating a recording format
according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 13 is a flow chart illustrating the recording
process according to the second embodiment of the present
invention ;
Figure 14 is a flow chart illustrating the editing process
according to the second embodiment of the present: invention;
Figure 15 is a flow chart illustrating the reproduction
list selection process according to the second embodiment of
the present invention;
Figure 16 is a view illustrating a recording format
according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 17 is a flow chart illustrating the recording
process according to the third embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 18 is a flow chart illustrating the editing process
according to the third embodiment of the present-invention;
Figure 19 is a flow chart illustrating the reproduction
list display process according to the third embodiment of the
present invention;
Figure 20 is a flow chart (II) illustrating the
reproduction list display process according to the third
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 21 is a flow chart illustrating the reproduction
list selection process according to the third embodiment cf
the present invention;
Figure 22 is a flow chart illustrating the reproduction
process according to the third embodiment of the present
invention,
Figure 23 is a view illustrating a recording format
according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 24 is a flow chart illustrating the recording
process according to the fourth embodiment of the present
invention; and
Figure 25 is a flow chart illustrating the editing process
according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
Next, a preferred embodiment of the present invention
will now be explained with reference to the drawings.
It is to be noted that the embodiments explained below
are the ones in which the present invention has been applied
to an information recording/reproducing apparatus wherein
information can be recorded and reproduced with respect to a
disc-like recording medium (concretely, for example, a DVD
enabling rewrite of information with respect thereto aplurality
of times, etc. and each of these media is hereinafter referred
to simply as "the optical disc") enabling optical
recording/reproduction of information with respect thereto a
plurality of times.
(I) First embodiment
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will
be explained using Figures 1 to 11.
(A) Embodiment of the recording format
Initially, before concretely explaining the construction
of an information recording/reproducing apparatus according
to the first embodiment, using Figure 1, an explanation will
be given of the recording format that is used when recording
information with respect to the optical disc by the use of that
information recording/reproducing apparatus according to the
first embodiment. Incidentally, Figure 1 is a diagram
illustrating a recording format (physical format) of the
respective information according to the first, embodiment.
As illustrated in Figure 1, after information has been
recorded, with the information recording/reproducing apparatus ,
with respect to an optical disc 1 according to the first
embodiment, there are formed on the optical disc 1 sequentially
from its inner-peripheral side the following three areas. The
firstareaisa lead-in area LI in which there is recorded starting
information that is to be read when starting reproduction
processing of the information recorded (more specifically,
starting information containing therein, for example, the
radiation intensity of a light beam for reproduction processing ,
etc.), the second area is a data area DA in which there are
recorded that information to be reproduced, reproduction
control information for controlling the way of reproducing that
information, etc., and the third area is a lead-out area LO
in which there is recorded ending information that is to be
read out when ending the reproduction processing of the
information recorded.
Next, within the data area DA, there are recorded general
information GM, menu control information MC, a for-use-as-menu
static image data group MD, mark, control information KC, a
for-use-as-mark static image data group KD, a reproduction
(play) list information group PLS, an attribute information
groupCIS , a real information group DS , andetceteras information
ET that is to be recorded into within the data area DA, in the
way in which they have their own divisional regions.
Of those divisional regions, as the general information
GM, there are recorded user interface information UI which is
information that is displayed to the user when reproducing the
information recorded within the data area DA (namely,
information having the user interface function), number of
reproduction lists information NPL which is information that
indicates the total number of reproduction lists recorded within
the data area DA in the way described later, a code number PIN
according to the present invention which is used when having
had display-prohibited a representative picture image
representatively indicating the contents of its corresponding
reproduction list, etc., and etceteras information ETG which
is other information falling under the category of the general
information. Incidentally, regarding this code number PIN,
in case of the first embodiment, the code numbers PIN associated
with all information recorded in the optical disc 1 are recorded
in the interior of the general information GM region.
Next, the menu control information MC is control
information which is used when showing, as a menu, to the user
the representative picture image representative of picture
image information, etc. reproduced according to its
corresponding reproduction list stored within the reproduction
list group PLS region before reproducing it.
Further, as the for-use-as-menu static image data group
MD, the static image data corresponding to the representative
picture image that is menu-displayed according to the menu
control information MG is recorded in units of a reproduction
list. In connection with this, each item of static image data
has added thereto an identification information identifiable
from one another and, when actually reproducing the information
according to the content of the reproduction list, that static
image data that exists every reproduction list is extracted
by using that- identification information as a clue.
Next, the mark control information KC is control
information which, in order to, for example, cause entry of
the code number, is used, for example, when a mark (e.g., an
implication icon IC as later described) for entry of that code
number is shown to the user together with the menu.
Further, as the for-use-as-mark static image data group
KD, there is recorded static image data corresponding to the
marks that are shown according to the mark control information
KC. At this time, as in the case of the representative picture
image, each static image data has added thereto an identification
information identifiable from one another and, when a necessary
mark is shown, a corresponding necessary static image data is
extracted using that identification information as a clue.
Also, as the reproduction (play) list information group
PLS there is recorded a plurality of pieces as illustrated in
Figure 1 the reproduction list PL that is used to control the
manner of reproducing that is executed when reproducing real
information as later described (specifically the manner of
reproducing such as the sequential order of reproducing the
respective real information, which portion of the respective
real information is to be reproduced, the reproduction speed
of the respective real information itself, etc.).
In connection with this, the reproduction lists of two
kinds are recorded. Namely, as the first kind, there are
recorded real reproduction lists RPL1, RPL2 , . . . , each of thar
is in 1 :1 correspondence with the corresponding respective real
information as later described and the number of that is the
same as that of those real information items, and that are used
to reproduce one item of real information in completely the
same manner as that which was executed when that item of real
information was recorded in the optical disc 1. Next, as the
second kind, there are recorded virtual reproduction Lists VPL
that are used to reproduce, as in the case of connecting part
of one item of real information and part of another and
consecutively reproducing them, part of each of a plurality
of real information items in the manner in which those parts
are virtually combined together using their corresponding real
reproduction (play) lists RPL and in the manner in which those
parts go over the divisions each made between each two of the
items of real information. At this time, the number of those
virtual reproduction lists VPL is set in the way to have no
relevancy to the number of the real information items.
Further, within each of the reproduction lists (either
the real reproduction lists RPL or the virtual reproduction
lists VPL) , as illustrated in Figure 1, there are included the
following . Areproduction limit f lagPCF that indicates whether
limiting the reproduction of the real information indicated
by that reproduction list PL (more specifically whether
prohibiting the reproduction of that information with respect
to a person other than those who are specified) , a reproduction
list display limit flag PHF that indicates whether limiting
the presentation with respect to the user of the representative
picture image for use as menu, itself, corresponding to the
real information reproduced according to that reproduction list
?L, for-use-as-menu representative picture image information
SN which is identification information indicating the
representative picture image for use as menu that corresponds
to the reproduction list PL, name information NM that indicates
the name of the real information reproduced according to that
reproduction list PL, gist information GL which is text
information indicating the gist of the real information, and
etceteras information ETP which is other information falling
under the category of the reproduction list PL.
Here, as the etceteras information ETP, specifically,
there are included information indicating the sequential order
of reproduction, address information that indicates the
recording position on the optical disc 1 at which there is
recorded a portion of the real information that is to be
reproduced, information that indicates the reproduction speed
of thatLjreal information, information that indicates the date
on which the reproduction list PL itself was produced,
information that indicates the attribute information as later
described which should be referred to when reproducing, etc.
Also, as the content of the reproduction control flag
PCF, specifically, it is set to "1" when the content of the
real information D that is to be reproduced according to the
reproduction list PL in which is contained that reproduction
control flag PCF is the content with respect to which reproduction
control should be performed such as the one in which the
reproduction with respect to a person other than those who are
specified should be prohibited, and that is set to "0" when
that content is the one which should not be
reproduction-controlled.

Further, as the content of the reproduction list display
prohibition flag PHF, specifically, it is set to "1" when the
display of the reproduction list PL in which is contained the
reproduction list display prohibition flag PHF, itself, should
be prohibited on the menu screen as later described, namely,
the display of the representative picture image corresponding
to the reproduction list PL should be prohibited on the menu
screen, and that is set to "0" when the display of the
representative picture image is not prohibited.
Next, as the attribute information group CIS, there are
recorded attribute information items corresponding to the
respective real information items, which are attribute
information items CI1, CI2, CI3, ..., CIn indica-ting the
attributes (kinds) of those respective real information items,
by the number that is the same as that of the real information
items. At this time, as the attributes, specifically, there
are, for example, a genre's name under which the content of
the corresponding real information falls, recording date on
which that real information was recorded, and information
indicating whether that real information is text information,
image information, or voice information. And, these
information items are recorded as the attribute information.
Finally, as the real information group DS, one or multiple
real information items Dl , D2 , D3 , . . . , Dn are recorded as the
information that is to be actually reproduced, together with
identification information identifiable from one another. At
this time, as this real information, for example, a single piece
of film, a single piece of music, etc. is respectively recorded
as one item of real information D.
(B) Embodiments of the construction and operation of the
information recording/reproducing apparatus
Next, the construction and operation of the information
recording/reproducing apparatus according to the first
embodiment which records/reproduces the real information D with
the use of the recording format illustrated in Figure 1 will
be explained using Figures 2 to 10.
First of all, the construction and the entire operation
of the information recording/reproducing apparatus will be
explained using Figure 2. Incidentally, Figure 2 is a block
diagram illustrating the outline construction of the
information recording/reproducing apparatus.
As illustrated in Figure 2, the information
recording/reproducing apparatus S according to the first
embodiment comprises a pickup 2 serving as a detecting device,
an A/D (Analog/Digital) converter 3, an MPEG (Moving Picture
Coding Expert Group) encoder 4 , multiplexers 5 and 10 , a recording
encoder 6, a recording circuit 7, a reproducing circuit 2, a
reproducing decoder 9, anMPEGdecoder 11 , amenu screen producing
circuit 12, a D/A converter 13, a static image encoder 14, a
buffer 15 , a spindle motor 16 , a CPU 17 serving as a reproduction
information recording device, a control information recording
device, a limiting device, and a prohibiting device, a servo
circuitl8, a display part 19, an operation part 20, and a switch
22.
Further, as illustrated in Figure 3, the menu screen
producing circuit 12 comprises a capture part 23, a scale
reduction changing part 24, a memory 25 , a GUI (Graphical Users
Interface) screen producing part 26, and a synthesizing part
27.
Next, the schematic operation of each of the respective
constituent members will be explained using Figures 1 to 3 .
Initially, an explanation will be given of a case where
information to be recorded from the outside (concretely this
information to be recorded includes both image information and
voice information.) is recorded onto the optical disc 1.
When an information signal Sin corresponding ~o the
information to be recorded is input from the outside and, along
therewith, a recording button not illustrated is operated in
the operation part 20, first, the A/D converter 3 digitizes
that information signal Sin to produce a digital signal Sd and
outputs to the MPEG encoder 4.
And, the MPEG encoder 4, according to a control signal
S7 that is output from the CPU 17, performs compression of the
digital signal Sd that is input on in accordance with the MPEG
2 method, to thereby produce a compression signal Se and outputs
it to the multiplexers 5 and 10.
And, the multiplexer 5, according to a control signal
S5 that is output from the CPU 17, performs, when necessary,
switching between the compression signal Se that is input on
and a buffer signal Sbo as later described to thereby produce
a changeover recording signal Smr and outputs it to the recording
encoder 6.
And, the encoder 6, according to a control signal S3 that
is output from the CPU 17 , executes with respect to the changeover
recording signal Smr that is input on processing for converting
the format of the changeover recording signal Smr into the
recording format illustrated in Fgure 1, the formattingprocess,
to thereby produce a recording encoded signal Sre and outputs
to the recording circuit 7.
At this time, as the formatting process, specifically,
first, according to the control signal S3, when necessary, the
changeover recording signal Smr that is input is output to the
CPU 17 as is. And, the CPU 17, according to the changeover
recording signal Smr, produces the above-described general
information GM, menu control information MC, for-use-as-menu
static image data group MD, mark control information KC,
for-use-as-mark static image data group KD , reproduction (play)
list information group PLS including the respective
reproduction lists PL, attribute information group CIS, real
information group DS , and etceteras information ET and outputs

these to the recording encoder 6 as the control signal S3. And,
as a result of this, the recording encoder 6 produces the
recording encoded signal Sre in accordance with the recording
format illustrated in Figure 1 . Incidentally, the information
for production of the above-described virtual reproduction
lists VPL, namely, identification information indicating
respective parts of the relevant real information D that should
fall under the virtual reproduction list VPL, information
indicating the sequential order of reproducing those respective
parts, etc. are input from the operation part 20 during the
formatting process.
Next, the recording circuit 7, according to a control
signal S2 that is output from the CPU 17 , converts the recording
encoded signal Sre into a recording signal Sr for use for
recording and outputs the resulting signal to the pickup 2.
At this time, in the recording circuit 7, the "Write Strategy"
processing, etc. are executed with respect to the recording
encoded signal Sre so as to form in the optical disc 1 the pits
the configuration of which accurately corresponds to the
information that is to be recorded.
Thereafter, the pickup 2, according to the recording
signal Sr that is output from the recording circuit 7, drives
a light source not illustrated, such as a semiconductor laser,
within this pickup 2 to thereby produce a light beam B such
as laser light and radiate it onto the information recording
surface of the optical disc 1 and thereby form the pits
corresponding to the recording signal and thereby record this
recording signal Sr on the optical disc 1. At this time, the
optical disc 1 is rotated in a prescribed number of rotations
by a spindle motor 16 that is driven according to a spindle
control signal Ssm as later described. Incidentally, on the
optical disc 1, for example, pits corresponding to the recording
signal Sr are formed in accordance with the phase change method,
whereby this recording signal Sr is recorded.
On the other hand, the above-described compression signal
Se that is output to the multiplexer 10 passes through this
multiplexer 10 and is output as a reproduction changeover signal
Smp to the MPEG decoder 11.
And, the MPEG decoder 11, according to a control signal
S9 that is output from the CPU 17 , executes expansion processing
with respect to the reproduction changeover signal Smp that
is input on (at the time of recording information the compression
signal Se itself) in accordance with the MPEG 2 method, and
outputs the resulting signal to themenu screen producing circuit
12 , static image encoder 14 , and one input terminal of the switch
22, as a decoded signal Sdc.
Next, tne static image encoder 14, according co a control
signal Sn that is output from the CPU 17, encodes, as a static
image, the image that has been selected, for being made a
representative picture image within the menu screen through
the execution of a process as later described, from the image
information contained in the decoded signal Sdc that is input
on . And the static image encoder 14 outputs the resulting signal
to the buffer 15 as a static image encoded signal Sse.
As a result of this, the buffer 15, according to a control
signal S8 that is output from the CPU 17, temporarily stores
the static image encoded signal Sse and reads it out and outputs
to the multiplexer 5 as the buffer signal Sbo.
On the other hand, at the time of information recording,
the switch 22 is changed over to the decoded signal Sdc side
according to a control signal S13 that is output from the CPU
17.
And, the decoded signal Sdc is output from the switch
22 to the D/A converter 13 as a changeover signal Sch.
Next, the D/A—converter 13 makes the changeover signal
Sch analog to produce an output signal Sout corresponding to
the information signal Sin and thereby to output it to a later
described monitor outside, speaker, not illustrated, outside,
etc.
At this time, when recognizing that the recording button
not illustrated in the operation part 20 has been operated
according to a command signal Sc from that operation par- 20,
the CPU 17 produces the above-desCribed respective control
signals S2, S3, S5, S7, S8, Su, and Sl3 and outputs these signals
to the above-described respective constituent members to
thereby control the above-described respective operations for
recording.
Through the performance of the above-explained series
of operations at the time of information recording, the image
or voice, which corresponds to the recording signal Sr that
is presently being recorded, can be recorded while monitoring
it on a real-time basis. It is to be noted that at this time
information recording the menu screen producing circuit 12 is
left out of operation.
Next, the operation that is performed when reproducing
the information that is recorded on the optical disc 1 will
be explained.
At the time of information reproduction, first, when in
the operation part 20 a reproduction button therein that is
not illustrated is operated, the pickup 2 radiates a reproduction
light beamB onto the optical disc 1 that is rotating andproduces ,
according to that reflected light, a detection signal Sp
corresponding to the pit formed in the optical disc 1 , and outputs
it to the reproducing circuit 8.
Next, the reproducing circuit 8, according to a control
signal S1 that is output from the CPU 17 , amplifies the detection
signal Sp that has been output, with a prescrioed amplification
factor, and performs reshaping of that waveform to thereby
produce a reproduction signal Spp and outputs it to the
reproducing decoder 9.
And, the reproducing decoder 9, according to a control
signal S4 that is output from the CPU 17, executes unformatting
process, which corresponds to the formatting process in the
recording encoder 6, with respect to the reproduction signal
Spp that is input on, to thereby produce a reproduction decoded
signal Spd and outputs it to the multiplexer 10.
Next, the multiplexer 10, according to a control signal
S6 that is output from the CPU 17 , causes the reproduction decoded
signal Spd that is input on to pass there through and outputs
it to the MPEG decoder 11 as the reproduction changeover signal
Smp.
And, the MPEG decoder 11, according to a control signal
S9 that is output from the CPU 17, executes the above-described
expansion processing with respect to the reproduction
changeover signal Smp that is input on, to thereby produce the
decoded signal Sdc. Then, it outputs the decoded signal Sdc
to the menu screen producing circuit 12 and one input terminal
of the switch 22.
As a result of this, the menu screen producing circuit
12, according to a control signal S12 that is output from the
CPU 17 , using an image that is designated from within the decoded
signal Sdc that is input on by that control signal S12, produces
a menu screen (including therein the above-described
representative picture image) for selecting which reproduction
list PL the real information D should be reproduced in accordance
. 36
with when reproducing information. And, it outputs the
resulting signal to the other input terminal of the switch 22
as a menu signal Smy.
And, the switch 22 , according to a control signal S13 that
is output from the CPU 17 , performs switching between the menu
signal Smy that is input on and the decoded signal Sdc and outputs
to the D/A converter 13 as the changeover signal Sch.
As a result of this, the D/A converter 13 makes analog
the changeover signal Sch and produces an output signal
containing therein either one of the information signal Sin
and the menu screen signal corresponding to the menu signal
Smy and outputsit to a later described monitor outside, speaker,
not illustrated, outside, etc.
At this time," the CPU 17, when recognizing according to
a command signal Sc from the operation part 20 that a reproduction
buttonnot illustrated in that operationpart 20 has been operated,
produces the above-described control signals S1, S4, S6, S9,
S12, and S13 and outputs them to the above-described relevant
constituent members to thereby control the above-described
respective operations for reproduction.
In parallel with those respective information recording
or information reproducing operations, the CPU 17 produces a
control signal S.s for performing servo control of the spindle
motor 16 and pickup 2 and outputs it to the servo circuit id.
The servo circuit 1 8 , according to the control signal Ss , produces
a spindle control signal Ssm for controlling the rotation of
the spindle motor 16 and outputs it to the spindle motor 16.
On the other hand, the servo circuit 18 produces, according
to that control signal Ss, a pickup control signal Ssp for
performing the "tracking servo control" and "focus servo
control" in the pickup 2 and outputs it to the pickup 2. And,
according to that pickup control signal Ssp, the pickup 2 performs
recording of the recording signal Sr or detection of the detection
signal Sp while performing tracking servo control and focus
servo control with respect to the light beam B.
Incidentally, the information that is needed in order
for the user to control the above-described operation of the
information recording/reproducing apparatus S is displayed on
the display part 19 according to a display signal Sdp from the
CPU 17.
Next, the operation of the respective constituent member
within the menu screen producing circuit 12 when reproducing
information will be explained using Figure 3.
As illustrated in Figure 3, the capture part 23 within
the menu screen producing circuit 12 , according to a control
signal S14 contained in the above-described control signal S12
that is output from the CPU 17 . temporarily stores therein, that
signal of the decoded signal Sdc input on which corresponds
to the above-aescribed representative picture image used for
constructing the menu screen, and outputs it to the scale
reduction changing part 24 as a capture signal Sep.
And, the scale reduction changing part 24 changes the
image contained in the capture signal Scp into a reduced scale
that is necessary for constructing the menu screen, and outputs
the resulting signal to the memory 25 as a scale reduction signal
Sex.
Thereafter, the memory 25, after temporarily storing
therein the scale reduction signal Sex, outputs it to the
synthesizing part 27.
On the other hand, the GUI screen producing part 26,
according to a control signal S15 contained in the
above-described control signal S12, produces an image (the "an
icon", etc.) , other than the image contained in the scale
reduction signal Sex, that is necessary for constructing the
menu screen, and outputs that signal to the synthesized part
27 as an image signal Sg.
And, the synthesizing part 27, according to a control
signal Su contained in the above-described control signal S12,
produces a menu screen signal by using the scale reduction signal
Sex, image signal Sg, and decoded signal Sdc and outputs it
to the switch 22 as the above-described menu signal Smy.
Next, che concrete operation that is performed vher.
recording the real information D, etc. onto the optical disc
1 through the operation of the information
recording/reproducing apparatus S having the above-described
construction and in accordance with the recording format
illustrated in Figure 1 will be explained using Figure 4.
Incidentally, Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating the recording
process of the real information D according to the first
embodiment which is executed, mainly, according to and from
the CPU 17.
In this recording process, initially, it is confirmed
whether, in the operation part 20, the start of the recording
process has been instructedby a recordingbutton not illustrated
(step SI). When the start of the recording process is not
instructed (step SI: NO), then, in the operation part 20, it
is confirmed whether in the operation part 20 an ending button
not illustrated (concretely the power source "of f" button, etc.)
that indicates the termination of the recording process has
been operated (step S13) . And, when the ending button is
operated (step S13: YES), the recording process according to
the first embodiment is terminated as is while, on the other
hand, when the ending button is not operated either (step S13:
NO), the flow returns to the step SI and the CPU 17 waits as
is .
On the other hand, when the start of the recording operation
has been instructed (step 51: YES) , next, recording onto the
optical disc 1 of the real information that is input on as the
above-described information signal Sin is performed (step S2) .
And, it is confirmed whether recording of all real information

D has been terminated (step S3) and, when not terminated (step
S3: NO), the recording process goes on being executed as is
(step S2) . When having been terminated (step S3: YES) , next,
the attribute information CI corresponding to the respective
real information D that has been recorded is produced and,
together therewith, corresponding reproduction list PL is also
similarly produced. Then, the attribute information CI and
reproduction list PL that have been produced are recorded onto
the optical disc 1 in accordance with the recording format
illustrated in Figure 1 (step S4).
Next, it is confirmed according to the content of the
operation in the operation part 20 whether the content of the
real information D that is reproduced according to the produced
reproduction list PL is the one with respect to which there
should be performed reproduction control such as, for example,
prohibiting the reproduction with respect to a person other
than specified users (step S5) . When that content is not the
one with respect to which no reproduction control should be
performed (step S5: NO), the recording process according to
the first embodiment is terminated as is. When, on the other
hand, that content is the one with respect to which reproduction
control should be performed (step S5: YES), it is confirmed
(step S6), by searching the general information GM region,
whether the code number PIN is already reco rded within the genera 1
information GM of the optical disc I having had recorded therein
the real information D and reproduction list PL (steps S2 and
S4) . And, when the code number PIN is not recorded (step S6:
NO) , a display indicating that a code number PIN should newly
be entered is made on the display not illustrated, etc. to thereby
prompt the user to do entry processing. When a new code number
PIN has been entered correspondingly thereto (step S7) , this
entered code number PIN is recorded in the region illustrated
in Figure 1 within the general information GM (step S8) , then
the flow proceeds to the succeeding step S9.
On the other hand, when in the determination made in the
step S6 the code number PIN is already recorded (step S6 : YES) ,
next, it is confirmed (stepS9) , according to theoperatedcontent
of the operation part 20, whether the display of the produced
(step S4) reproduction list PL itself should be prohibited on
the menu screen, namely whether the display of the representative
picture image corresponding to that reproduction list PL should
be prohibited on the menu screen. When the display of that
representative picture image should not be prohibited (step
S9 : NO) , according to the determination of the step S5 the content
of the reproduction control flag PCF that should be included
under the corresponding reproduction list PL is set to ul",
and, simultaneously, che content of the reproduction list
display prohibition flag PHF that should similarly be included
under that list PL is set to "0" (step S12).
On the other hand, when the display of that representative
picture image is the one which should be prohibited (step S9 :
YES) , according to the determination made in the step S5 the
content of the reproduction control flag PCF that should be
included under the corresponding reproduction list PL is set
to "1". Simultaneously, the content of the reproduction list
display prohibition flag PHF that should similarly be included
thereunder is set to "1" (step S10).
And, at the point in time when setting the content of
the reproduction control flag PCF and the content, of the
reproduction list display flag PHF has respectively finished
being performed (steps S10 and S12) , the content of the
corresponding reproduction list PL that was recorded (step S4)
is rewritten (step Sll) , thereby the series of processing
operations for the recording process are terminated.
Next, the concrete operation of the editing process for
editing the real information D, etc. that is executed in
accordance with the recording format illustrated in Figure 1
through the operation of the information recording/reproducing
apparatus S having the above-described construction will be
explained using Figure 5. Incidentally, Figure 5 is a flow
chart illustrating the editing process for the real information
D according to che first embodiment that is executed, mainly,
according to and from the CPU 17. Also, this editing process,
concretely, includes processing for producing a new virtual
reproduction list VPL, processing for adding/recording new real
information D, processing for changing the content of an existing
virtual reproduction list VPL, processing for deleting part
of existing real information D from the optical disc 1, etc.
In this editing process, initially, while they are being
subjected to control processing such as prohibiting their
display through the execution of the processes as later described
in detail, the representative picture image corresponding to
the respective reproduction list PL recorded on the optical
disc 1 is displayed on the display not illustrated (step S40) ,
and, further, by selecting a desired one from among the
representative picture images that are being displayed, there
is selected a reproduction list PL that is to be edited (step
S41) .
When the reproduction list PI is selected, next, whether
the real information D corresponding to the selected
reproduction list PL is the one with respect to which the
above-described reproduction control should be performed is
determinedby confirming the content of the reproduction control
flag PCF within the selected reproduction list (step S42) . And,
when that real information D is not the one which should be
reproduction-controlled (step S42: NO) , the flow proceeds to
a step S46 as later described as is. On the other hand, when
that reproduction list PI is the one which should be
reproduction-controlled (step S42: YES), next, whether the
representative picture image corresponding to the reproduction
list PL has its display prohibited on the menu screen is
determined by confirming the content of the reproduction list
display prohibition flag PHF within the selected reproduction
listPL (stepS43) . And, for releasing that display prohibition ,
the display indicating that the code number PIN, which must
have been recorded in the optical disc 1, should be entered
is made, for example, on the display not illustrated, etc.,
to thereby prompt the execution of that entry processing. When
correspondingly thereto a new code number PIN has been entered
(step S44) , collation is made between this entered code number
PIN and the code number PIN that is kept recorded in the general
information GM region, thereby confirmation is made of whether
those code numbers coincide with each other (step S45) . As
a result of this, when the both do not coincide with each other
(step S45 : NO) , determination is made of that the user who should
not view that representative picture image is presently
executing the editing process, the flow then returning to the
step S41 as is, and the CPU 17 makes the user select a different
reproduction list PL. On the other hand, when the entered code
number PIN and the code number PIN kept recorded coincide with
each other (step S45: YES), next, the desired editing process
is executed (step S46) while that selected reproduction list
PL is being displayed.
Next, whetner the operation to tne effect tnat the editing
process has finished being executed has been performed in the
operation part 20 is confirmed (step S47) . When having not
finished (step S47: NO), the editing process goes on being
executed as is . When, on the other hand, having already finished
(step S47: YES), whether the content of the real information
D that is to be reproduced accord ing to the post-edit reproduction
list PL is the one with respect to which reproduction control
should be performed is determined according to the content of
the operation in the operation part 20 (step S48) . When that
content is not the one with respect to which reproduction control
should be performed (step S48: NO) , the reproduction control
flag PCF in the newly produced reproduction list PL is set to
"0" and simultaneously the reproduction list display
prohibition flag PHF is set to "0" (step S49), and the flow
proceeds to the processing of a step S56 as later described.
On the other hand , when the content of the real information
Dthatistobe reproduced according to the post-edit reproduction
list PL is the one which should be reproduction-controlled (step
S48 : YES) , next, whether the code number PIN is already recorded
within the general information GM region of the optical disc
1 in which the post-edit reproduction list PL was recorded (step
S4 6) is confirmed by searching that general inf ormat ion GM region
(step S50) . And, when the code number PIN is not recorded (step
S50 : NO) , the display indicating that the code number PIN should
be newly entered is made, for example, on tne display net
illustrated , etc . , to thereby prompt the execution of that entry
processing. When correspondingly thereto a new code number
PIN has been entered (step S51) , this entered code number PIN
is recorded into the zone illustrated in Figure 1 within the
general information GM region (step S52) , and the flow proceeds
to the succeeding step S53.
On the other hand, when in the determination of the step
S50 the code number PIN is already recorded (step S50: YES),
next, whether the display of the representative picture image
corresponding to the produced (step S46) reproduction list PL
is the one which should be prohibited in the relevant menu screen
is confirmed (step S53) according to the content of the operation
in the operation part 20. And when that display of the
representative picture image is not the one which should be
prohibited (step S53: NO), the content of the reproduction
control flag PCF that should be included under the corresponding
reproduction (play) list PL is set to "1" according to the
determination in the step S48 and, simultaneously, the content
of the reproduction list display prohibition flag PHF that should
similarly be included thereunder is set to "0" (step S55) .
On the other hand, when the display of that representative
image is the one which should be prohibited (step S53: YES),
the content of the reproduction control flag PCF that should
be included under the corresponding reproduction (play) list
PL is set to "1" according to the determination in the step
S48 and, simultaneously, the content of the reproduction list
display prohibition flag PHF that should similarly be included
thereunder is set to "1" (step S54).
And, at the point in time when setting the content of
the reproduction control flag PCF and the content of the
reproduction list display flag PHF has respectively finished
being performed (steps 49 and 55) , the content of the
corresponding reproduction list PL that was recorded (step S46)
is rewritten (step S56), thereby the series of processing
operations for the editing process are terminated.
Next, the detail of the display process (step S40) for
the representative image corresponding to the reproduction list
PL in the above-described editing process will be explained
using Figures 6 and 7. Incidentally, Figure 6 is a flow chart
illustrating the display process for a reproduction list
according to the first embodiment, and Figure 7 is a view
illustrating an example of display of a reproduction list
according to the first embodiment.
As illustrated in Figure 6, in the display process for
the representative picture image in the step S40, first, the
optical disc 1 is inserted (step S15) into an insertion opening
not illustrated for this optical disc 1 in the information
recording/reproducing apparatus 3, and all reproduction lis:s
PL recorded in the thus-inserted optical disc 1 are detected
(step S16) .
And, regarding the respective reproduction list PL
detected, whether their corresponding representative picture
image is set to be display-prohibited on the menu screen is
determined by confirming the content of the reproduction list
display prohibition flag PHF in the respective reproduction
list PL (step S17) .
And, when that representative picture image is not
display-prohibited (step S17: NO), the corresponding
representative picture image is displayed, as indicated by the
symbol SI, within the menu screen M illustrated in , for example ,
Figure 7A and, in addition, according to the necessity, the
reproduction list information such as the name, production date ,
etc. of the reproduction list PL itself is displayedby searching
the interior of this reproduction list PL (step S19) , then the
flow proceeds to a step S20.
On the other hand, when in the determination of the step
S17 the corresponding representative picture image is
display-prohibited (step S17: YES), the corresponding
representative picture image is displayed, for example, in such
a manner as to make an illustration of it within the menu screen
of Figure 7A as a for-non-display image SSI, so that the content
of that representative picture image cannot be recognized . And ,
in addition , the above-described reoroduccion list information
is not displayed (step S18).
And, whether display processing has finished being
executed up to the representative picture? image corresponding
to a final reproduction list PL is confirmed (step S20) . When
that has not finished being executed (step S20: NO), the flow
returns to the step S16, thereby the above-described steps of
processing operations are repeated again. On the other hand,
when that has already finished being executed (step S20: NO)
up to the display of the representative picture image
corresponding to the final reproduction list PL, the flow
proceeds to step S41 as is.
Incidentally, in the display process illustrated in
Figure 6, regarding the representative picture image the display
of that is prohibited, in place of that representative picture
image, measure has been taken of displaying the f or-non-display
image SSI illustrated in Figure 7A. However, other than this,
regarding the reproduction list PL the corresponding
representative picture image to which is display-prohibited,
measure may also be taken of making no display of any images
at the corresponding position as illustrated in Figure 8 (see
Figure 9A) and of only displaying the representative picture
image SI the display of which is permitted (step S19) . At this
time, as illustrated in Figure 9A, at a part of the interior
of the menu screen M, an implication icon IC that implies the
existance of the representative cicturs imaage (reproduction
list PL) the display of which is prohibited may be displayed
together with the representative picture image SI tne display
of which is permitted.
Next, the detail of the selection processing (step S41)
of the reproduction list PL in the above-described editing
process will be explainedusingFigure 10 . Incidentally, Figure
10 is a flow chart illustrating the selection process of the
reproduction list according to the first embodiment.
As illustrated in Figure 10, in the selection process
of the reproduction list PL that is executed in the
above-described step S41, first, when the menu screen M
illustrated in Figure 7 is displayed by the execution of the
above-described step S40, next, the processing for selecting
the reproduction list PL in that menu screen M is executed in
the operation part 20 (step S25) , next, it is determined whether
that reproduction list PL that has been selected is the one
the corresponding representative picture image of that is
display-prohibited (step S26) .
And, in a case where the reproduction list PL the
representative picture image SI of that is not
display-prohibited has been selected (step S26: NO) , the flow
proceeds to the step S42 as is. On the other hand, in a case
where the reproduction list PL the representative picture image
SI of that is display-prohibited has been selected (step S26:
YES) , then, for releasing the prohibition of that display, as
illustrated in Figure 7B, a field PT for entry that indicates
that the code number PIN which must have been recorded in tne
optical disc 1 is to be entered is displayed on the menu screen
M to thereby prompt the execution of the entry processing. When
correspondingly thereto that code number PIN has been entered
(step S27) , collation is made between that entered code numcer
PIN and the code number PIN recorded in the general information
GM region, and it is confirmed whether those code numbers coincide
with each other (step S28) . As a result of this, when the both
do not coincide (step S28: NO) , it is determined that the user
who should not view that representative picture image is
presently executing the edit process . Thereby, the flow returns
to the step S25 to thereby cause the user to select a different
reproduction list PL. On the other hand, when the input code
number PIN and the recorded code number PIN have coincided with
each other (step S28: YES), then as illustrated-in Figure 7c
a corresponding representative picture image SI is newly
displayed within the menu screen M. And, in addition, the
reproduction list information such as the name , production date ,
etc. of the reproduction list PL itself is displayed, according
to the necessity, by searching the interior of that reproduction
list PL (step S29) . Then, the flow proceeds to ~he
above-described step S42.
Incidentally, in the above-described selection process
of the reproduction list PL, in a case where regarding the
representative picture image SI that is determined as being
display-prohibited as illustrated in Figure 8 no display
whatsoever is made (step S40) , as illustrated in Figure 9A the
implication icon is left displayed. And, when in this state
that implication icon IC has been selected (step S25), for
releasing that prohibition of the display the CPU 17 prompts,
as illustrated in Figure 9B, the execution of the en try processing
for the code number PIN by displaying the entry field PT on
themenu screenM. When correspondingly to this that code number
PIN is entered (step S27) and it has coincided with the code
number PIN recorded within the general information GM (step
S28: YES) , as illustrated in Figure 9C the corresponding
representative picture image SI is newly displayed within the
menu screenM and, in addition, the implication icon IC is deleted
from within the menu screen. And, in addition, according to
the necessity, the reproduction list information such as the
name, production date, etc. of the reproduction list PL itself
is displayed by searching the interior of that reproduction
list (step S29). Then, the flow proceeds to the step S42.
Finally, the concrete operation of the reproduction
process for reproducing the real information D, etc. from the
optical disc 1 , which is executed in accordance with the recording
format illustrated in Figure 1 by the information
recording/reproducing apparatus S having the above-described
construction will be explained using Figure 11 . Incidentally,
Figure 11 is a flow chart illustrating the reproduction process
for the real information D according to the first embodiment
which is executed mainly according to and from the CPU 17.
As illustrated in Figure 11, as the reproduction process ,
first, the display processing for reproduction list PL (step
S60) and the selection processing therefor (step S61) which
are the same as those executed in the editing process illustrated
in Figure 5 are executed.
And, when the display processing and selection processing
for the reproduction list PL having the contents that are to
be reproduced has finished being executed, next, whether the
content of the real information D that is reproduced according
to the selected reproduction list PL is the one with respect
to which reproduction control should be performed is determined
(step S62) by confirming the content of the reproduction control
flag PCF within that selected reproduction list PL. When that
content is not the one with respect to which reproduction control
should be performed (step S62: NO), according to the content
of this selected reproduction list PL the corresponding real
information D is reproduced, as is, from the optical disc 1
(step S66) . Further, whether reproduction up to final real
information D thar is to be reproduced has finished being
performed is confirmed (step S67).
And, when reproduction processing up to the final
reproduction list PL has not finished being executed yet step
S67: NO), the flow returns to the preceding step S60 so as to
select the next reproduction last PL including therein the real
information D to be reproduced. On the other hand, when
reproduction processing has already finished being executed
up to the final reproduction list PL to be reproduced (step
S67: YES), the reproduction process according to the first
embodiment is ended as is.
On the other hand, when in the determination of the step
S62 the content of the selected reproduction list PL is the
one with respect to which reproduction control should be
performed (step S62: YES), next, it is determined whether the
selected reproduction list PL is the one PL the corresponding
representative picture image of which is display-prohibited
(step S63) .
And, when that reproduction list PL is the one PL the
representative picture image of which is not determined as being
display-prohibited (step S63: NO), the flow proceeds to the
step S66 as is. On the other hand, when that reproduction list
PL is the one the representative picture image of which is
determined as being display-prohibited (step S63 : YES) , next,
for releasing that prohibition of the display, as illustrated
in Figure 7B for example, the field PT for entry that indicates
that the code number PIN which must have been recorded in the
optical disc 1 is to be entered is displayed on the menu screen
M to thereby prompt the execution of the entry processing . When
correspondingly thereto that code number PIN has been entered
(step S64) , collation is made between that entered code number
PIN and the code number PIN recorded in the general information

GM region, and it is confirmed whether those code numbers coincide
with each other (step S65) . As a result of this, when the both
do not coincide (step S65: NO) , it is determined that the user
who should not view that representative picture image is
presentlyexecuting theedit process . Thereby, the flow returns
to the step S60 to thereby cause the user to select a different
reproduction list PL. On the other hand, when the input code
number PIN and the recorded code number PIN have coincided with
each other (step S65: YES) , then for reproducing the real
information D corresponding to the content of the reproduction
list PL the flow proceeds to the above-described steps S66 and
S67, thereby the CPU 17 irminates the reproduction process
according to the first embodiment.
As has been explained above, according to the operation
of the information rexrording/reproducing apparatus of the first
embodiment, by limiting (prohibiting) the display of the
representative picture image according to the reproduction list:
display prohibition flat PHF that is recorded, it is possible
to control the display of the representative picture image
according to the content, of the reproduction list PL . Therefore
it is possible to prevent the content of the real information
D corresponding to the reproduction list PL. from being
inadvertently recognized by the user as a result of the
inadvertent presentation of the representative picture image
to the user.

Also, since the representative picture image is displayed
before starting the reproduction process for the real
information D corresponding to the reproduction list PL, by
limiting the display of the representative picture image
according to the reproduction list display prohibition flag
PHF that is recorded it is possible to control the display of
the representative picture image that precedes the reproduction
process for the real information D corresponding to the
reproduction list PL.
(II) Second embodiment
Next, a second embodiment that is another embodiment
according to the present invention will be explained using
Figures 12 to 15.
Although in the above-described first embodiment the code
number PIN has been recorded, within the general information
GM, as the code number that is common to every item of the real
information D and every piece of the reproduction lists PL,
in the second embodiment that will be explained below a specific
code number is set every reproduction list PL.
Incidentally, in Figures 12 to 15 that will be explained
below, the same members as those in the corresponding figures
used in the first embodiment are denoted by the same member
numerals and the explanation of the"' detail thereof will be
omitted.
Also, since the construction of the information
recording/reproducing apparatus according to the second
embodiment is the same as that of the information
recording/reproducing apparatus S according to the first
embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the explanationof the detail
will be omitted.
(A) Embodiment of the recording format
Initially, before concretely explaining the construction,
etc. of the information recording/reproducing apparatus
according to the second embodiment, the recording format used
when recording information with respect to the optical disc
1 by the information recording/reproducing apparatus according
to the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 12.
Incidentally, Figure 12 is a view illustrating the recording
format (physical format) of the respective information
according to the second embodiment.
As stated above, since in the recording format of the
second embodiment a specific code number is set correspondingly
to each reproduction list PL, that code number is recorded not
within the general information GM but within the respective
reproduction list PL.
Namely, as illustrated in Figure 12, in the recording
format according to the second embodiment. the general
information GM is constructed of only the user interface
information UI, reproduction lists number information NFL, and
etceteras information ETG that are the same as those illustrated
in Figure 1. On the other hand, the respective reproduction
list PL region has recorded therein a code number PPN different
every reproduction list PL in addition to the reproduction
control flag PCF, reproduction list display prohibition flag
PHF, for-use-as-menu representative picture image information
SN, name information NM, gist information GL, and etcetera
information ETP that are the same as those illustrated in Figure
1.
Incidentally, the other construction of the recording
format of the second embodiment is the same as the corresponding
that of the recording format of the first embodiment illustrated
in Figure 1 and therefore the explanation of the detail thereof
will be omitted.
(B) Embodiment of the construction and operation of the
information recording/reproducing apparatus
Next, the operation of the information
recording/reproducing apparatus according to a second
embodiment of the present invention will be explained using
Figure 13 no 15.
First, the recording process for the real information
D according to the second embodiment will be explained using
FIG. 13.
Incidentally, Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating this
recording process. Also, in Figure ij, tne same processing
operations as those in the recording process in the first

embodiment illustrated in Figure 4 are denoted by the same step
numbers, and the explanation of the detail of that will be
omitted.
In the recording process of the second embodiment, first,
the processing operations in the steps SI, S2, S3, S4, S5, S7,
and S9 are executed, thereby the recording processing of
necessary real information D and the production/recording
processing of necessary reproduction list PL and attribute
information CI are executed. At this time, the operations of
processing (steps S6 and S8) regarding the code number PIN within
the general information GM such as those executed in the case
of the first embodiment are not executed. Also, it results
that the code number that is entered in the step S7 is the code
number PPN that corresponds to only the reproduction list PL
that has become an object with respect to which that code number
should at that time be entered.
And, when, in the determination of the step S9 , the display
of the representative picture image is determined as being not
the one which should be prohibited (step S9: NO) , the content
of the reproduction control flag PCF that should be included
under the corresponding reproduction list PL is set to "1"
according to the determination in the step S5, ^ue content of
the reproduction list display prohibition flag PKF that should
similarly be included thereunder is set to "0" , and , in addition,
the above-described code number PPN (that is already entered

in the step S7) that corresponds to only the reproduction list
PL is set (step S31) .
On the other hand, when the display of the representative
picture image is the one which should be prohibited (step S9:
YES), the content of the reproduction control flag PCF that
should be included under the corresponding reproduction list
PL is set to "1" according to the determination in the step
S5, the content of the reproduction list display prohibition
flag PHF that should similarly be included thereunder is set
to "1", and, in addition, the above-described code number PPN
that corresponds to only the reproduction list PL is set (step
S30) .
And, at the point in time when the content of the
reproduction control flag PCF, the content of the reproduction
list display prohibition flag PHF, and the code number have
respectively finished being set (steps S30 and S31), there is
rewritten (step Sll) the content of the corresponding
reproduction list PL that was theretofore recorded (step S4) ,
thereby the series of operations for the recording process is
terminated.
Next, the editing process for the real information D,
etc. according to the second embodiment will be explained using
Figure 14. Incidentally, this editfing process includes
processing for producing a new virtual reproduction list VPL,
processing for adding/recording new real information D,

processing for changing the content of an existing virtual
reproduction list VPL, processing for deleting part of existing
real information D from the optical disc 1, etc.
Also, Figure 14 is a flow chart illustrating this editing
process. Here, in Figure 14, regarding the processing
operations that are the same as those executed in the editing
process of the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, they
are denoted by the same step numbers and the explanation of
the detail of those is omitted.
In the editing process of the second embodiment, first,
the processing operations in the steps S40 to S48 illustrated
in Figure 5 are executed, thereby necessary editing processing
operations with respect to the desired reproduction list PL
are executed.
And, when, in the determination in the step S48 , the content
of the real information D that is to be reproduced according
to the post-edit reproduction list PL is not the one with respect
to which reproduction control should be performed (step S48:
NO), the reproduction control flag PCF in the newly produced
reproduction list PL is set to "0" and simultaneously the
reproduction list display prohibition flag PHF is set to "0"
(step S49), and, further, setting of the corresponding code
number PPN is not performed (step S3 5 ) . Then , the f low proceeds
;o the processing of a step S56 as later described.
On the other hand, when the content of the real information
D that is to be reproduced according to the post-edit reproduction
list PL is the one which should be reproduction-controlled (step
S48: YES) , next, the display indicating that the code number
PPN corresponding to only the post-edit reproduction list PL
should be entered is made, for example, on the display not
illustrated, etc . , to thereby prompt the execution of that entry
processing. When correspondingly thereto a new code number
PPN has been entered (step S51), next, whether the display of
the representative picture image corresponding to the produced
(step S46) reproduction list PL is the one which should be
prohibited in the relevant menu screen is confirmed (step S53)
according to the content of the operation in the operation part
20. And when that display of the representative picture image
is not the one which should be prohibited (step S53 : NO) , the
content of the reproduction control flag PCF that should be
included under the corresponding reproduction (play) list PL
is set to "1" according to the determination in the step S48
and, simultaneously, the content of the reproduction list
display prohibition flag PHF that should similarly be included
thereunder is set to "0" and, further, the rode number PPN
corresponding to only the reproduction list PL alone is set
(step S37).
On the other hand, when the display of that representative
image is the one which should be prohibited (step S53: YES),
'the content of the reproduction control flag PCF that should

be included under the corresponding reproduction (play) list
PL is set to "1" according to the determination in the step
S48 and, simultaneously, the content of the reproduction list
display prohibition flag PHF that should similarly be included
thereunder is set to "1", and, further, the code number PPN
corresponding to only the reproduction list PL alone is set
(step S36).
And, at the point in time when setting the content of
the reproduction control flag PCF and the content of the
reproduction list display prohibition flag PHF and the code
number PPN has respectively finished being performed (steps
S35, S36 and S37) the content of the corresponding reproduction
list PL that was recorded (step S46) is rewritten (step S56) ,
thereby the series of processing operations for the editing
process are terminated.
Next, the derail of the selection processing (step S41)
of the reproduction list PL in the above-described editing
process according to the second embodiment will be explained
using Figure 15. Incidentally, Figure 15 is a flow chart
illustrating the selection process of the reproduction list
according to the second embodiment.
As illustrated in Figure 15, in the selection process
of the reproduction list PL that is executed in the
above-described step S41, first, when the menu screen M
illustrated in Figure 7 is displayed by the execution of the
above-described step S40, next, it is confirmed (step S70)
whether the operation for displaying the representative picture
image SI that is determined (displayed) as being non-displayed
on that menu screen M (Figure 7A or 9A) has been performed in
the operation part 20.
And, when that operation has not been done yet (step S70 :
NO), the selection of the reproduction list PL is performed
using the representative picture image that is now being
displayed (step S77), then the flow proceeds to step S42 of
Figure 14.
On the other hand, when the operation for displaying the
representative picture image that is determined as being
non-displayed has been operated (step S70: YES), next, for
releasing the prohibition of that display, as illustrated in
Figure 7B or Figure 9B, a field PT for entry that indicates
that the code number PPN which must have been recorded every
reproduction list PL is to be entered is displayed on the menu
screen M to thereby prompt the execution of the entry processing .
When the code number PIN corresponding to that, has beer, entered
(step S71) , collation is made between that entered code number
PPN and the code number PPN recorded in the corresponding
reproduction list PL, and it is confirmed whether those coce
numbers coincide with each other (step S73) . As a result of
this, when the both do not coincide (step 373: NO) , it to
determined that the user who should not view that representative
picture image is now executing the editing process. And, the
flow proceeds to step S75 as is. On the other hand, when the
input code number PPN and the recorded code number PPN have
coincided with each other (step S73: YES) , then as illustrated
in Figure 7C or Figure 9C a corresponding representative picture
imageSI is newly displayed within themenu screenM. In addition ,
the reproduction list information such as the name, production
date, etc. of the reproduction list, itself, PL is displayed,
according to the necessity, by searching the interior of that
reproduction list PL (step S74).
And, it is confirmed, regarding all representative
picture images SI that are now being displayed in the menu screen
M, whether the processing operations in the steps S72 to S74
have been executed (step S75) . When the processing about all
the representative picture images has not finished being
executed (step S75: NO), the flow again returns to step S72,
thereby the above-described steps of processing about the
remaining representative picture images SI are repeated. On
the other hand, when the processing about all the representative
picture images SI has finished being executed (step 375: YES) ,
next, it is confirmed whether another code number PPN is to
be entered (step S75).
As a result of this , when another code number PPN is entered
(step S76: YES) , regarding that entered new code number PPN
the processing operations in the steps S71 to S75 are repeated.

On the other hand, when no other code number PPN is input
(step S76: NO), the selection processing of the reproduction
list PL is executed using the representative picture image SI
that is now being displayed in the menu screen M, as is, (step
S77) , thereafter the flow proceeds to the above-described step
S42 of Figfure 14.
Incidentally, since the display process of the
reproduction list PL and the reproduction process of the real
information D, based on the use of the reproduction list PL,
in the information recording/reproducing apparatus of the
second embodiment are the same as those in the case illustrated
in Figures 6 to 9 and Figure 11 in the first embodiment, the
explanation of that detail is omitted.
With the above-explained information
recording/reproducing apparatus of the second embodiment as
well, the effect the same as that attainable in the case of
the first embodiment is brought about.
(III) Third embodiment
Next, a third embodiment that is another embodiment of
the present invention will be explained using Figures 16 to
22.
Although in the above-described first and second
embodiments an explanation has been given of the case where
the reproduction control flag PCF and reproduction list display
prohibition flag PHF are disposed in the respectively separate
zones, the third and fourth embodiments that will be explained
below are each the embodiment in the case where only the
reproduction control flag PCF is used in the way of being used
concurrently as each of those two flags.
Incidentally, in the Figures 16 to 22 that will be explained
below, the same members in their corresponding figures that
were used in the explanation about the first embodiment are
denoted by the same member numerals with their detailed
explanation being omitted.
Also, since the construction of the information
recording/reproducing apparatus according to the third
embodiment is the same as that of the information
recording/reproducing apparatus S according to the- first
embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the explanation of that
detail is omitted.
(A) Embodiment of the recording format
Initially, before concretely explaining the construction,
etc. of the information recording/reproducing apparatus
according to the third embodiment, the recording format that
is used when recording information with respect to 'he optical
disc 1 by the information recording/reproducing apparatus
according to tne third embodiment will be explained using Figure
16. Incidentally, Figure 16 is a view illustrating the
recording format (physical format) of the respective
information according to the third embodiment.
As described above, in the recording format of the third
embodiment, the reproduction control flag PCF is also made to
have the meaning as that of the reproduction list display
prohibition flag PHF, and therefore in the recording format
in the third embodiment the reproduction list display-
prohibition flag PHF does not exist.
Namely, as illustrated in Figure 16, in the recording.
format in the third embodiment, as the respective reproduction
list PL, in addition to the for-use-as-menu representative
picture image SN, name information NM, gist information GL,
and etceteras information ETP, a reproduction control flag PCF'
having the meaning as that of the reproduction list display
prohibition flag PHF, as well, is recorded.
At this time, as the contents of the reproduction control
flag PCF', in more detail, when the content of the real
information D that is to be reproduced according to the
reproduction list PL included under the reproduction control
flag PCF' is the one which should be reproduction-controlled,
the reproduction control flag PCF' is set to "1" by simultaneously
making a determination of that the display of the reproduction
list, itself, PL under which the reproduction control flag PCF'
is included should also be prohibited in the menu screen M,
while, when that real information D is not the one which should
be reproduction-controlled, the reproduction control flag PCF'
is set to "0" by simultaneously making a determination of that

the display of the reproduction list, itself, PL should not
be prohibited in the menu screen M.
Incidentally, since the other construction of the
recording format according to the third embodiment is the same
as that of the recording format of the first embodiment, the
explanation of that detail is omitted.
(B) Embodiment of the construction and operation of the
information recording/reproducing apparatus
Next, the operation of the information
recording/reproducing apparatus according to the third
embodiment will be explained using Figures 17 to 22.
Firstofall, the recording process of the real information
D, etc. according to the third embodiment will be explained
using Figure 17.
Incidentally, Figure 17 is a flow chart illustrating the
recording process. Also, in Figure 17, the same operations
of processing as those in the recording process of the first
embodiment illustrated in Figure 4 are denoted by the same step
numerals with their detailed explanation being omitted.
In the recording process of the third embodiment, first,
the processing operations in the steps SI to S8 illustrated
in Figure 4 are executed, whereby recording processinq or
necessary real information S, production/recording processing
of necessary reproduction list PL and attribute informaticn
CI, and recording processing of the code number PIN that is
common to the optical disc 1 as a whole are executed. At this
time, the processing regarding the reproduction list display
prohibition flag PHF, such as that (step S9) executed in the
first embodiment, is not executed.
And, when in the determination of the step S6 the code
number PIN is already recorded (stepS6 : YES) , next, for limiting
the reproduction processing of the real information D based
on the use of the produced (step S4) reproduction list PL the
content of the corresponding reproduction limit flag PCF is
set to "1" (step S80) and, further, the content of the
corresponding reproduction list PL that was already recorded
(step S4) at that point in time is rewritten (step Sll) . Then,
the series of recording processing operations are terminated.
Next, the concrete operation of the editing process for
the real information D, etc. which is executed in accordance
with the recording format illustrated in Figure 16 through the
operation of the above-constructed information
recording/reproducing apparatus will be explained using Figure
18. Incidentally, Figure 18 is a flow chart illustrating the
editing process for the real information D according to the
third embodiment that is executed mainly according to and from
the CPU 17. The same steps of processing as those executed
in the editing process according to the first embodiment
illustrated in Figure 5 are denoted by the same step numbers
and the explanation of their detail is omitted.
In the editing process, initially, while it is having
executed with respect thereto control processing such as
prohibition of the display through the execution of the
processing operations as later described in detail, the
representative picture image corresponding to the respective
reproduction list PL recorded in the optical disc 1 is displayed
on the display not illustrated (step S40) and, by selecting
the desired one from among those representative picture image
that are displayed, selection of the reproduction list PL that
is to be edited is made (step S41) .
When the reproduction list PL is selected, then, next,
the same processing operations as those in the steps S46 to
S48 and steps S50 to S52 illustrated in Figure 5 are-executed.
At this time, when, in the determination of the step S48,
the content of the real information D that is to be reproduced
according to the post-edit reproduction list PL is not the one
with respect to which reproduction control should be performed
(step S48: NO) , only the processing alone of setting the
reproduction control flag PCF in that newly produced
reproduction list PL to "0" is executed (step 335), then the
flow proceeds to the processing in the step S56 illustrated
in Figure 5 ,
Also, when, in the determination of the step S50, the
code number PIN is already recorded (step S50: YES) , next, only
theprocessing, alone, of setting the content of the reproduction

control flag PCF', which should be included under the
corresponding reproduction list PL, to "1" is executedaccording
to the determination in the step S48 (step S86).
And, the content of the corresponding reproduction list
PL that was already recorded (step S56) at the point in time
when setting of the content of the reproduction control flag
PCF' has finished being done (steps S85 and S86) is rewritten
(step S56) , thereafter the series of editing processing
operations are terminated.
Next, the detail of the display process tstep S40) for
the representative picture image corresponding to the
reproduction list PL in the above-described editing process
will be explained using Figure 19.
Incidentally, Figure 19 is a flow chart illustrating the
display process for the reproduction list according to the third
embodiment and the same operations of processing as those
executed in the display process according to the first embodiment
illustrated in Figure 6 are denoted by the same step numbers
and the explanation of their detail is omitted.
As illustrated in Figure 19, in the display process for
the representative picture image in the step S40, first, the
same steps of processing operations as those in the steps 315
and S16 illustrated in Figure 6 art executed.
And, whether, regarding each of the real information D
corresponding to the respective reproduction list PL that has
been detected in step S16, the reproduction processing of that
real information D is limited is determined by confirming the
content of the reproduction control flag PCF' in that respective
reproduction list PL (step S81).
And, when the corresponding real information D is the
one with respect to which reproduction limitation is not done
(step S81: NO), the same steps of processing as those in the
steps S19 and S20 illustrated in Figure 6 are executed, then
the flow proceeds to the step S41 of Figure 18.
On the other hand, when that corresponding real
information D is the one with respect to which reproduction
limitation should be performed (step S81: YES) , the same
operations of processing as those in the steps S18 and S20
illustrated in Figure 6 are executed, then the flow proceeds
to the step S41 of Figure 18.
Incidentally, although, in the display process
illustrated in Figure 19, regarding the representative picture
image the display of which is prohibited measure has been taken
of displaying , in place of that image , the for-non-display image
SSI illustrated in Figure 7A, other than this the following
measure may also be taken. Namely, as illustrated in Figure
20, regarding the reproduction list PL the corresponding
representative picture image to whicn is display-prohibited,
any image is not displayed at ail at that corresponding position
(see Figure 8A) and only the representative picture image che

display of which is permitted is displayed (step S19).
Next, the detail of the selection processing (step S41)
for the reproduction list PL in the above-described editing
processwillbeexplainedusingFigure21 . Incidentally, Figure
21 is a flow chart illustrating the selection process for the
reproduction list according to the third embodiment and the
same operations of processing as those executed in the selection
process according to the first embodiment illustrated in Figure
10 are denoted by the same step numbers and the explanation
of their detail is omitted.
As illustrated in Figure 21, in the selection processing
for reproduction list PL in the step S41, first, when the menu
screen M illustrated in Figure 7 is displayed through the
execution of the step 40 processing, next, the processing of
selecting the reproduction list PL the representative picture
image of which is displayed in the menu screen M is executed
in the operation part 20 (step S25) . Next, regarding the real
information D corresponding to the thus-selected reproduction
list PL, whether the reproduction processing of that is limited
is determined (step SB2) by confirming the content of the
reproduction control flag PCF' in the reproduction list PL.
And, in a case where that reproduction list PL is the
one with respect to which reproduction processing is not limited
(stepS82: NO) , the flow proceeds to the step 542 as is, whereas,
in a case where that reproduction list PL is the one with respect
to which reproduction processing is limited (step S82: YES)
next, the same operations of processing as those executed in
the steps S27 to S29 illustrated in Figure 10 are executed,
then the flow proceeds to the step S42.
Finally, the concrete operation of the reproduction
process for the real information D, etc. which is executed from
the optical disc 1 in accordance with the recording format
illustrated in Figure 16 through the operation of the
above-constructed information recording/reproducing
apparatus will be explained using Figure 22. Incidentally,
Figure 22 is a flow chart illustrating the reproduction process
for the real information D according to the third embodiment:
that is executed mainly according to and from the CPU 17. The
same operations of processing as those executed in the
reproduction process according to the first embodiment
illustrated in Figure 11 are denoted by the same step numbers
and the explanation of their detail is omitted.
As illustrated in Figure 22, as the reproduction process ,
first, the display process (step S60) for reproduction list
?L and the selection process (step S61) therefor that are the
same as those in the editing process illustrated in Figure 18
are executed.
Here, ina case where, as in the third embodiment, a setting
is made of that when the reproduction list PL is the one which
should be reproduction-limited the corresponding

representative picture image is simultaneously not displayed
either, there can occur no state where in that step S61 the
code number PIN is entered and, on the other hand, the
reproduction limitation is still made although that
representative picture image is not displayed, and, therefore,
after selecting that reproduction list PL (step S61), the
reproduction processing of the corresponding real information
D from the optical disc 1 is immediately executed (step S66) .
And, further, whether reproduction up to the final real
information D that is to be reproduced has finished being
performed is confirmed {step S67).
And, when reproduction process up to the final
reproduction list PL has not finished being performed (step
S67: NO) , the flow returns to the step S60 so as to select the
reproduction list PL that includes the real information D that
is to be reproduced next. On the other hand, when reproduction
process up to the final reproduction list PL that is to be
reproduced has already finished being performed (step 67: YES) ,
the CPU 17 terminates the reproduction process according to
the first embodiment as is .
As described above, according to the operation of the
information recording/reproducing apparatus according to :ne
third embodiment, since the reproduction control flag PCF' has
two ways of meaning one of which represents whether prohibiting
the display of the representative picture image and the other
of which represents whether limiting the reproduction
processing, itself, of the real information D corresponding
to the reproduction list PL, in addition to the effect resulting
from the operation of the information recording/reproducing
apparatus S according to the first embodiment the effect of
enabling preventing the content of the real information D
corresponding to the reproduction list PL from being
inadvertently recognized by the user is also brought about by
limiting the display of the representative picture image, and
also limiting the reproduction processing of the real
information D corresponding to the reproduction list PL,
according to that reproduction control flag PCF'
(IV) Fourth embodiment
Finally, a fourth embodiment which is another embodiment
of the present invention will be explained using Figures 23
to 25.
Although in the above-described third embodiment the code
number PIN is recorded within the general information GM as
being common to all the real information D, or reproduction
lists PL, that are recorded in the optical disc 1, in the fourth
embodiment explained below a specific code number is set every
reproduction list PL. Further, the reproduction control flag
PCF' according to the fourth embodiment also has two ways of
meaning the same as those in the case of the third embodiment.
Incidentally, in Figures 23 to 25 explained below, the

same members as those in the corresponding figures that were
used in the explanation in connection with the first or third
embodiment are denoted by the same reference symbols, and the
explanation of their detail is omitted.
Also, since the construction of the information
recording/reproducing apparatus according to the fourth
embodiment is the same as that of the information
recording/reproducing apparatus S according to the first
embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the explanation of that
detail is omitted.
(A) Embodiment of the recording format
Initially, before concretely explaining the construction,
etc. of the information recording/reproducing apparatus
according to the fourth embodiment, the recording format that
is used when recording information with respect to the optical
disc 1 by using the information recording/reproducing apparatus
according to the fourth embodiment will be explained using Figure
23. Incidentally, Figure 23 is a view illustrating the
recording format (physical format) for the respective
information according to the fourth embodiment.
Since, as described above, in the recording format of
the fourth emoodimenc, a specific code number is recorded in
corresponding relationship to each of the respective
reproduction lists, that code number is recorded not within
the general information GM region but within the respective

reproduction list PL region.
Namely, as illustrated in Figure 23, in the recording
format according to the fourth embodiment, the general
information GM is constructed of only the user interface
information GM reproduction lists number information NPL, and
etceteras information ETG, alone, which are the same as those
illustrated in Figure 16. On the other hand, the respective
reproduction list PL has recorded therein a code number PPN
different for each reproduction list PL in addition to the
reproduction control flag PCF' , for-use-as-menu representative
picture image SN, name information NM, gist information GL,
and etceteras information ETP which are the same as those
illustrated in Figure 16.
Incidentally, since the other construction of the
recording format in the fourth embodiment is the same as that
of the recording format in the third embodiment illustrated
in Figure 16, the explanation of that detail is omitted.
(B) Embodiment of the construction and operation of the
information recording/reproducing apparatus
Next, the operation of the information
recording/reproducing apparatus according to the fourth
embodiment will be explained using Figures 24 and 25.
First, the recording process for the real information
D, etc. according to the fourth embodiment will be explained
using Figure 24.
Incidentally, Figure 24 is a flow chart illustrating that
recording process, and the same operations of processing as
those in the recording process according to the third embodiment
illustrated in Figure 17 are denoted by the same step numbers
and the explanation of those details is omitted.
In the recording process of the fourth embodiment, first,
the processing operations in the steps S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and
S7 are executed, thereby the recording processing of necessary
real information D and the production/recording processing of
necessary reproduction list PL and attribute information CI
are executed. At this time, the processing operations (steps
S6 and S8) -regarding the code number PIN within the general
information GM such as those executed in the case of the third
embodiment are not executed. Also, it results that the code
number that is entered in the step S7 is the code number PPN
that corresponds to only the reproduction list PL, alone, that
has become an object with respect to which that code number
should at that time be entered.
And, when the entry of the code number PPN has finished
being done, the content of the reproduction control flag PCF'
that should be included under the corresponding reproduction
list PL is set to "1" according to the determination in the
step S5, and, in addition, the above-described code number PPN
(that is already entered in the step S7) that corresponds to
only the reproduction list PL alone is set (step S90) .
And, at the point in time when the content of the
reproduction control flag PCF, and the code number PPN, have
respectively finished being set (step S90) , there is rewritten
(step Sll) the content of the corresponding reproduction list
PL that was theretofore recorded (step S4) , thereby the series
of recording processing operations are terminated.
Next, the editing process for the real information D,
etc. according to the fourth embodiment will be explained using
Figure 25. Incidentally, this editing process includes
processing for producing a new virtual reproduction list VPL,
processing for adding/recording new real information D,
processing for changing the content of an existing virtual
reproduction list VPL, processing for deleting part of existing
real information D from the optical disc 1, etc.
Also,, Figure 25 is a flow chart illustrating this editing
process . Regarding the processing operations that are the same
as those executed in the editing process of the third embodiment
illustrated in Figure 18, they are denoted by the same step
numbers and the explanation of the detail of those is omitted.
In the edxting process of the fourth embodiment, first,
the processing operations in the steps S40 and S41 and S46 to
548 illustrated in Figure 18 are executed, thereby necessary
editing processing operations with respect to the desired
reproduction list PL are executed.
And , when , in the determination in the step S48 , the content
of the real information D that is to be reproduced according
to the post-edit reproduction list PL is not the one with respect
to which reproduction control should be performed (step S48 :
NO) , the reproduction control flag PCF in the newly produced
reproduction list PL is set to "0" and, further, setting of
the corresponding code number PPN is not performed (step S91) .
Then, the flow proceeds to the processing of the step S56 as
later described.
On the other hand, when the content of the real information
D that is to be reproduced according to the post-edit reproduction
list PL is not the one which should be reproduction-controlled
{step S48: YES), next, the display indicating that the code
number PPN corresponding to only the post-edit reproduction
list PL should be entered is made, for example, on the display
not illustrated, etc. , to thereby prompt the execution of that
entry processing. When correspondingly thereto a new code
number PPN has been entered (step S51) , next, the content of
the reproduction control flag PCF that should be included under
the reproduction (play) list PL that was produced (step S46)
is sec co "1" according co the determination in the step 343
and, simultaneously, the code number PPN corresponding to only
the reproduction list PL alone is set (step S9<. .> And, at the point in time when setting the content of
the reproduction control flag PCF and the code number PPN has
respectively finished being performed (steps S91 and S92) , the
content of the corresponding reproduction list PL that was
theretofore recorded (stepS46) is rewritten (stepS56) , thereby
the series of editing processing operations are terminated.
Incidentally, since the display process for reproduction
list PL, selection process therefor, and reproduction process
for the real information D based on the use of the reproduction
list PL, which are executed in the information
recording/reproducing apparatus according to the fourth
embodiment, are the same as those in the case of the third
embodiment illustrated in Figures 19 to 22, the explanation
of those details is omitted.
With the above-explained information
recording/reproducing apparatus of the fourth embodiment, as
well, the same effect as that attainable in the case of the
third embodiment can be brought about.
Incidentally, although in each of the above-described
respective embodiments not only the representative picture
image SI but also the name, production time and date, etc. of
the reproduction list, itself, PL have been illustrated as the
-hings indicating the reproduction list PL that is displayed
on the menu screen M, other than this there may be also included
as such things letter information indicating the gist of the
content of the real information D that is reproduced according
to the reproduction list PL.
Further, although in each of the above-described
respective embodiments an explanation has; been given of the
case where the data area DA exists only one piece within the
optical disc 1, other than this it is also possible to construct
in the way in which a plurality of different data areas are
provided and, for each data area, the real information D is
recorded separately and independently from that in another.
And, in this case, in the first and third embodiment, for each
data area, it is also possible to construct in the way in which,
regarding only the real information D, etc. , alone, within that
data area, a common code number PIN is set.
Further, by keeping stored in an information recording
medium such as a flexible disc the programs corresponding to
the above-described respective flow charts, or keeping them
distributed via the network such as the Internet, and reading
them out and executing them by a general microcomputer, or the
like, this general microcomputer, or the like can also be made
to function as the CPU 17 according to the respective embodiment
of the present invention.
We claim:
1. An information recording apparatus (S) comprising:
a reproduction information recording device (17) that records a reproduction
information into a recording medium (1); and
a reproduction list recording device (17) that records a reproduction list (RPL1,
RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of reproduction that is executed when
reproducing the reproduction information,
wherein the reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) includes a
presentation control information (PHF) that indicates whether or not a presentation of a
content information (SN, NM, GL, ETP) indicating a content of the reproduction
information is limited.
2. An information recording apparatus (S) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the content information (SN, NM, GL, ETP) is an information which is
presented in advance of starting a reproduction processing of the reproduction
information based on the reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1).
3. An information recording apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the presentation control information (PHF) is an information which indicates
whether or not a reproduction of the reproduction information based on the reproduction
list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3....VPL1) is limited.
4. An information recording apparatus (S) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the content information includes at least one of a representative picture image
information (SN) that corresponds to a representative picture image that represents an
image contained in the reproduction information reproduced on the basis of the
reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1), a title information (NM) that
corresponds to a title representing the reproduction information, a gist information (GL)
indicating the gist of the reproduction information, and a time/date information (ETP)
indicating a time/date regarding the reproduction information.
5. An information reproducing apparatus (S) for reproducing a recording medium
(1), wherein:
the recording medium (1) comprises:
a reproduction information recording region in which a reproduction
information is recorded; and
a reproduction list recording region in which a reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2,
RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of reproduction that is executed when
reproducing the reproduction information is recorded;
wherein the reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) includes a
presentation control information (PHF), which indicates whether or not a presentation
of a content information (SN, NM, GL, ETP) indicating a content of the reproduction
information is limited,
the information reproducing apparatus (S) comprising:
a detection device (17) that detects the reproduction list from the recording
medium; and
a limitation device (17) that limits a presentation of a content information
based on the presentation control information (PHF) included in the detected
reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1).
6. An information reproducing method of reproducing a recording medium (1),
wherein:
the recording medium (1) comprises:
a reproduction information recording region in which a reproduction
information is recorded; and
a reproduction list recording region in which a reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2,
RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of reproduction that is executed when
reproducing the reproduction information is recorded;
wherein the reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) includes a
presentation control information (PHF) indicating whether or not a presentation of a
content information (SN, NM, GL, ETP) indicating a content of the reproduction
information is limited,
the information reproducing method comprising the processes of:
detecting the reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) from the
recording medium; and
limiting a presentation of a content information (SN, NM, GL, ETP) based on
the presentation control information (PHF) included in the detected reproduction list
(RPL1, RPL2, RPL3....VPL1).
7. An information recording medium in which an information recording program
is recorded so as to be read by a computer included in an information recording
apparatus (S), wherein the program causes the computer to function as:
a reproduction information recording device (17) that records reproduction
information into a recording medium; and
a reproduction list recording device (17) that records a reproduction list (RPL1,
RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of reproduction that is executed when
reproducing the reproduction information,
wherein the reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) includes a
presentation control information (PHF) that indicates whether or not a presentation of a
content information (SN, NM, GL, ETP) indicating a content of the reproduction
information is limited.
8. An information recording medium in which an information reproducing
program is recorded so as to be read by a computer included in an information
reproducing apparatus (S) for reproducing a recording medium (1), wherein:
said recording medium (1) comprising:
a reproduction information recording region in which there is recorded a
reproduction information is recorded; and
a reproduction list recording region in which a reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2,
RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of reproduction that is executed when
reproducing the reproduction information is recorded;
wherein the reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) includes a
presentation control information (PHF) that indicates whether or not a presentation of a
content information (SN, NM, GL, ETP) indicating a content of the reproduction
information is limited;
said reproduction control program comprising:
wherein the program causes the computer to function as:
a detection device (17) that detects the reproduction list from the recording
medium; and
a limitation device (17) that limits a presentation of a content information (SN,
NM, GL, ETP) based on the presentation control information (PHF) included in the
detected reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1).
9. A recording medium (1) comprising:
a reproduction information recording region in which a reproduction
information is recorded; and
a reproduction list recording region in which a reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2,
RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of reproduction that is executed when
reproducing the reproduction information is recorded;
wherein the reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) includes a
presentation control information (PHF) which indicates whether or not a presentation of
a content information (SN, NM, GL, ETP) indicating a content of the reproduction
information is limited [, is recorded].
10. A recording medium (1) as claimed in claim 9, wherein
the content information is an information which is presented in advance of
starting the reproduction processing of the reproduction information based on the
reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1).
11. A recording medium (1) as claimed in claim 9, wherein
the presentation control information (PHF) is an information which indicates
whether or not a reproduction of the reproduction information based on the reproduction
list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) is limited.
12. A recording medium (I) as claimed in claim 9, wherein
the content information includes at least one of a representative picture image
information (SN) that corresponds to a representative picture image that represents an
image contained in the reproduction information reproduced on the basis of the
reproduction list, a title information (NM) that corresponds to a title representing the
reproduction information, a gist information (GL) indicating the gist of the reproduction
information, and a time/date information (ETP) indicating a time/date regarding the
reproduction information.
13. An information recording apparatus (S) for recording a reproduction
information in a recording medium (1), comprising:
a reproduction information recording device (17) that records a reproduction
information into a recording medium (1);
a reproduction list recording device (17) that records a reproduction list (RPL1,
RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of reproduction that is executed when
reproducing the reproduction information; and
a controlling information recording device (17) that records a presentation
control information (PHF) that indicates whether or not a presentation of a content
information (SN, NM, GL, ETP) indicating a content of the reproduction information
corresponding to the reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) is limited.
14. An information recording apparatus (S) as claimed in claim 15, wherein a
limitation of a presentation of a content information (SN, NM, GL, ETP) indicated by
the presentation control information (PHF) is prohibition of the presentation of the
content information (SN, NM, GL, ETP).
15. An information recording apparatus (S) for recording a reproduction
information in a recording medium (1), comprising
a generating device (17) that generates a reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2,
RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of reproduction that is executed when
reproducing the reproduction information; and
a recording device (17) that records the reproduction information, the
reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1), and a presentation control information
(PHF) that indicates whether or not a presentation of a content information (SN, NM,
GL, ETP) indicating a content of the reproduction information corresponding to the
reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) is limited.
16. An information recording apparatus (S) as claimed in claim 15, wherein a
limitation of a presentation of a content information (SN, NM, GL, ETP) indicated by
the presentation control information (PHF) is prohibition of a presentation of the
content information (SN, NM, GL, ETP).
17. An information recording apparatus (S) for recording a reproduction
information in a recording medium (1), comprising
a generating device (17) that generates a reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2,
RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of reproduction that is executed when
reproducing the reproduction information; and
a recording device (17) that records the reproduction information, the
reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1), and a display control information
(PHF) that indicates whether or not a display of a representative picture image that
represents a content of the reproduction information corresponding to the reproduction
list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) is prohibited.
18. An information recording apparatus (S) for recording a reproduction
information in a recording medium (1), comprising
a generating device (17) that generates a reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2,
RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of reproduction that is executed when
reproducing the reproduction information; and
a recording device (17) that records the reproduction information, the
reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1), and a display control information
(PHF) that indicates whether or not a display of a name information (NM) that indicates
a name of the reproduction information corresponding to the reproduction list (RPL1,
RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) is prohibited.
19. An information recording method of recording a reproduction information in a
recording medium (1), comprising the processes of:
recording the reproduction information into a recording medium (1);
recording a reproduction list for controlling a manner of reproduction that is
executed when reproducing the reproduction information; and
recording a presentation control information (PHF) that indicates whether or
not a presentation of a content information (SN, NM, GL, ETP) indicating a content of
the reproduction information corresponding to the reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2,
RPL3,...VPL1) is limited.
20. An information recording method of recording a reproduction information in a
recording medium (1), comprising the processes of:
generating a reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a
manner of reproduction that is executed when reproducing the reproduction
information; and
recording the reproduction information, the reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2,
RPL3,...VPL1), and a presentation control information (PHF) that indicates whether or
not a presentation of a content information (SN, NM, GL, ETP) indicating a content of
the reproduction information corresponding to the reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2,
RPL3....VPL1) is limited.
21. An information recording method of recording reproduction information in a
recording medium (1), comprising the processes of:
generating a reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a
manner of reproduction that is executed when reproducing the reproduction
information; and
recording the reproduction information, the reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2,
RPL3,...VPL1), and a display control information (PHF) that indicates whether or not a
display of a representative picture image that represents a content of the reproduction
information corresponding to the reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) is
prohibited.
22. An information recording method of recording a reproduction information in a
recording medium (1), comprising the processes of:
generating a reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a
manner of reproduction that is executed when reproducing the reproduction
information; and
recording the reproduction information, the reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2,
RPL3,...VPL1), and a display control information (PHF) that indicates whether or not a
display of a name information (NM) that indicates a name of the reproduction
information corresponding to the reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPLl) is
prohibited.
23. An information recording medium in which an information recording program
is recorded so as to be read by a computer included in an information recording
apparatus (S), wherein the program causes the computer to function as:
a reproduction information recording device (17) that records a reproduction
information into a recording medium (1);
a reproduction list recording device (17) that records a reproduction list (RPL1,
RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of reproduction that is executed when
reproducing the reproduction information; and
a controlling information recording device (17) that records a presentation
control information (PHF) that indicates whether or not a presentation of a content
information (SN, NM, GL, ETP) indicating a content of the reproduction information
corresponding to the reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) is limited.
24. A recording medium in which an information recording program is recorded so
as to be read by a computer included in an information recording apparatus (S) for
recording a reproduction information in a recording medium (1), wherein the program
causes the computer to function as:
a generating device (17) that generates a reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2,
RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of reproduction that is executed when
reproducing the reproduction information; and
a recording device (17) that records the reproduction information, the
reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1), and a presentation control information
(PHF) that indicates whether or not a presentation of a content information indicating a
content of the reproduction information corresponding to the reproduction list (RPL1,
RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) is limited.
25. A recording medium in which an information recording program is recorded so
as to be read by a computer included in an information recording apparatus (S) for
recording a reproduction information in a recording medium (1), wherein the program
causes the computer to function as:
a generating device (17) that generates a reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2,
RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of reproduction that is executed when
reproducing the reproduction information; and
a recording device (17) that records the reproduction information, the
reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1), and a display control information
(PHF) that indicates whether or not a display of a representative picture image that
represents a content of the reproduction information corresponding to the reproduction
list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) is prohibited.
26. A recording medium in which an information recording program is recorded so
as to be read by a computer included in an information recording apparatus (S) for
recording a reproduction information in a recording medium (1), wherein the program
causes the computer to function as:
a generating device (17) that generates a reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2,
RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of reproduction that is executed when
reproducing the reproduction information; and
a recording device (17) that records the reproduction information, the
reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1), and a display control information
(PHF) that indicates whether or not a display of a name information (NM) that indicates
a name of the reproduction information corresponding to the reproduction list (RPL1,
RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) is prohibited.
27. An information reproducing apparatus for reproducing a reproduction
information (S) from a recording medium (1) comprising: the reproduction information;
a reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of
reproduction that is executed when reproducing the reproduction information; and a
presentation control information (PHF) that indicates whether or not a presentation of a
content information (SN, NM, GL, ETP) indicating a content of the reproduction
information corresponding to the reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) is
limited, the apparatus comprising:
a detecting device (17) which detects the presentation control information
(PHF) from the recording medium (1); and
a limiting device (17) which limits a presentation of a content information
based on the detected presentation control information (PHF).
28. An information reproducing apparatus (S) for recording a reproduction
information in a recording medium (1), comprising: the reproduction information; a
reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of reproduction
that is executed when reproducing the reproduction information; and a display control
information (PHF) that indicates whether or not a display of a representative picture
image that represents a content of the reproduction information corresponding to the
reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) is prohibited, the apparatus comprising:
a detecting device (17) which detects the presentation control information
(PHF) from the recording medium (1); and
a prohibiting device (17) which prohibits the display of the representative
picture image based on the detected presentation control information (PHF).
29. An information reproducing apparatus (S) for recording a reproduction
information in a recording medium (1) comprising: the reproduction information; a
reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of reproduction
that is executed when reproducing the reproduction information; and a display control
information (PHF) that indicates whether or not a display of a name information (NM)
that indicates a name of the reproduction information corresponding to the reproduction
list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) is prohibited, the apparatus comprising:
a detecting device (17) which detects the presentation control information
(PHF) from the recording medium (1); and
a prohibiting device (17) which prohibits the display of the name information
(NM) based on the detected presentation control information (PHF).
30. An information reproducing method of reproducing a reproduction information
from a recording medium (1) comprising: the reproduction information; a reproduction
list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of reproduction that is
executed when reproducing the reproduction information; and a presentation control
information (PHF) that indicates whether or not a presentation of a content information
(SN, NM, GL, ETP) indicating a content of the reproduction information corresponding
to the reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) is limited, the method comprising
the processes of:
detecting the presentation control information (PHF) from the recording
medium (1); and
limiting a presentation of the content information (SN, NM, GL, ETP) based on
the detected presentation control information (PHF).
31. An information reproducing method of recording a reproduction information in
a recording medium (1) comprising: the reproduction information; a reproduction list
(RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of reproduction that is executed
when reproducing the reproduction information; and a display control information
(PHF) that indicates whether or not a display of a representative picture image that
represents a content of the reproduction information corresponding to the reproduction
list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) is prohibited, the method comprising the processes
of:
detecting the presentation control information (PHF) from the recording
medium (1); and
prohibiting a display of the representative picture image based on the detected
presentation control information (PHF).
32. An information reproducing method of recording a reproduction information in
a recording medium (1) comprising: the reproduction information; a reproduction list
(RPLL, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of reproduction that is executed
when reproducing the reproduction information; and a display control information
(PHF) that indicates whether or not a display of a name information (NM) that indicates
a name of the reproduction information corresponding to the reproduction list is
prohibited, the method comprising the processes of:
detecting the presentation control information (PHF) from the recording
medium (1); and
prohibiting a display of the name information based on the detected
presentation control information (PHF).
33. An information recording medium in which an information reproducing
program is recorded so as to be read by a computer included in an information
reproducing apparatus (S) for reproducing a reproduction information in a recording
medium (1) comprising: the reproduction information; a reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2,
RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of reproduction that is executed when
reproducing the reproduction information; and a presentation control information (PHF)
that indicates whether or not a presentation of a content information (SN, NM, GL,
ETP) indicating a content of the reproduction information corresponding to the
reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) is limited, wherein the program causes
the computer to function as:
a detecting device (17) which detects the presentation control information
(PHF) from the recording medium (1); and
a limiting device (17) which limits a presentation of the content information
(SN, NM, GL, ETP) based on the detected presentation control information (PHF).
34. An information recording medium in which an information reproducing
program is recorded so as to be read by a computer included in an information
reproducing apparatus (S) for reproducing a reproduction information in a recording
medium (1) comprising: the reproduction information; a reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2,
RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of reproduction that is executed when
reproducing the reproduction information; and a display control information (PHF) that
indicates whether or not a display of a representative picture image that represents a
content of the reproduction information corresponding to the reproduction list (RPL1,
RPL2, RPL3,...VPL1) is prohibited, wherein the program causes the computer to
function as:
a detecting device (17) which detects the presentation control information
(PHF) from the recording medium (1); and
a prohibiting device (17) which prohibits the display of the representative
picture image based on the detected presentation control information (PHF).
35. An information recording medium in which an information reproducing
program is recorded so as to be read by a computer included in an information
reproducing apparatus (S) for reproducing a reproduction information in a recording
medium (1) comprising: the reproduction information; a reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2,
RPL3,...VPL1) for controlling a manner of reproduction that is executed when
reproducing the reproduction information; and a display control information (PHF) that
indicates whether or not a display of a name information (NM) that indicates a name of
the reproduction information corresponding to the reproduction list (RPL1, RPL2,
RPL3,...VPL1) is prohibited, wherein the program causes the computer to function as:
a detecting device (17) which detects the presentation control information
(PHF) from the recording medium (1); and
a prohibiting device (17) which prohibits a display of the name information
(NM) based on the detected presentation control information (PHF).
Provided is an information recording apparatus which, in a state where the content of
moving picture image information, etc. can be prevented from being inadvertently
recognized by the user due to inadvertent presentation to the user of a relevant
representative picture image, enables recording the respective information into a
recording medium. A reproduction list (PL) that is to be reproduced in not only recorded
into an optical disc (1) but is there also recorded in it a reproduction list display
prohibition flag (PHF) indicating at least whether limiting the display of a representative
picture image that represents the content of the reproduction list (PL).

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Patent Number 224969
Indian Patent Application Number 01172/KOL/2005
PG Journal Number 44/2008
Publication Date 31-Oct-2008
Grant Date 29-Oct-2008
Date of Filing 23-Dec-2005
Name of Patentee PIONEER CORPORATION
Applicant Address 4-1, MEGURO 1-CHOME, MEGURO-KU, TOKYO
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 TOHRU KANEGAE C/O PIONEER CORPORATION TOKOROZAWA WORKS, 2610 HANAZONO 4-CHOME, TOKOROZAWA-SHI SAITAMA-359-0047
2 MASANORI NAKAHARA C/O PIONEER CORPORATION TOKOROZAWA WORKS, 2610 HANAZONO 4-CHOME, TOKOROZAWA-SHI SAITAMA-359-0047
3 TAKAO SAWABE C/O PIONEER CORPORATION TOKOROZAWA WORKS, 2610 HANAZONO 4-CHOME, TOKOROZAWA-SHI SAITAMA-359-0047
4 TAKESHI KODA C/O PIONEER CORPORATION TOKOROZAWA WORKS, 2610 HANAZONO 4-CHOME, TOKOROZAWA-SHI SAITAMA-359-0047
5 NOBUYUKI TAKAKUWA C/O PIONEER CORPORATION TOKOROZAWA WORKS, 2610 HANAZONO 4-CHOME, TOKOROZAWA-SHI SAITAMA-359-0047
6 YASUKO FUKUDA C/O PIONEER CORPORATION TOKOROZAWA WORKS, 2610 HANAZONO 4-CHOME, TOKOROZAWA-SHI SAITAMA-359-0047
PCT International Classification Number H04N 5/93, 5/91
PCT International Application Number PCT/JP2002/12791
PCT International Filing date 2002-12-05
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 2001-374947 2001-12-07 Japan