JP4141465B2 - Information recording medium, recording apparatus and reproducing apparatus therefor - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information recording medium such as a high-density optical disc capable of recording information such as images and sounds typified by a DVD at high density, a recording apparatus for recording information on the information recording medium, and the information recording The present invention belongs to the technical field of a reproducing apparatus for reproducing information from a medium, and particularly relates to copy control of information recorded on the information recording medium.

  Conventionally, so-called CD (Compact Disk) and DAT (Digital Audio Tape) are known as recording media capable of digitally recording and reproducing audio information. In a recording medium capable of digital reproduction such as CD and DAT, digital copying of recorded information can be performed using a reproducing apparatus or a recording apparatus having a digital interface adapted to the digital signal. However, if such digital copying is allowed without limitation, copy information without sound quality degradation will be distributed without limit, and the rights of the copyright holder will be impaired. On the other hand, there exists software whose contents are desired to be permitted for digital copying in order to widely distribute the information.

  In DAT, a copy management system (Serial Copy Management System) (hereinafter referred to as “SCMS”) for preventing unlimited digital copying has already been adopted. In this system, a 2-bit copy flag indicating prohibition or permission of digital copying is multiplexed and recorded on audio data at certain time intervals. The contents of the copy flag are defined as follows, for example.

00: Copy prohibited 10: Copy allowed only once 10: (Free)
11: Copy Allowed The following describes what processing is performed by the system when copying is performed using two DATs. First, when the copy flag is “00”, the playback-side DAT notifies the digital interface (digital output unit) that the information is copy-prohibited. The digital interface multiplexes information indicating that the data is copy-prohibited in the reproduced audio data at regular intervals and sends it to the recording side DAT. The recording-side DAT detects that the information indicating copy prohibition is included in the transmitted data, and does not record the transmitted reproduction audio data. In this way, digital copying is prevented.

  Next, when the copy flag is “01”, copying is permitted only once. In this case, the reproduction side DAT notifies the digital interface that the data can be copied only once. The digital interface sends information indicating that the data can be copied only once to the recording side DAT at regular intervals of the reproduced audio data. When the recording side DAT detects that the transmitted data includes information indicating that copying is possible only once, the recording side DAT sets the flag included in the transmitted data to “00” (copy prohibited). Change and record. In this case, when copying from this DAT to another DAT, the above flag is “00” indicating copy prohibition, so digital copying cannot be performed. That is, digital copying cannot be performed again with this DAT as a parent. In this way, copying is permitted only once and further digital copying is prohibited.

  Next, when the copy flag is “11”, the playback-side DAT notifies the digital interface that the information is set to copy permission. The digital interface sends information indicating that the data is permitted to be copied to the recording side DAT at regular intervals of the reproduced audio data. The recording side DAT detects that the information indicating copy permission is included in the transmitted data, and records the transmitted reproduction audio data. In this way, digital copying is performed.

  Now, since digital output is possible also in the case of DVD, it is necessary to prevent unlimited digital copying as in the case of DAT. The above-mentioned SCMS method is basically applied also to DVD. That is, also in the DVD, the copy flag as described above is set for each unit of video or audio information to be recorded.

  However, even if a copy flag is set for each information unit in this way, whether the information is set to copy-prohibited, copy-only once, or copy-permitted with no limit on the number of information You cannot know without trying to play to copy the unit. Therefore, when information of a certain length including a plurality of information units is copied to another recording medium, if some information units included therein are set to copy prohibition, the portion is missing. There may also be a situation where it is copied to another recording medium. As described above, if it is not possible to know whether or not copying is possible without actually performing the copying operation, useless copying operations may be performed, which is not preferable.

  As a measure for preventing such useless copying, it is also conceivable to configure the system so that the reproduction side or recording side apparatus displays and notifies the user whether or not copying is actually performed. . However, even in such a case, it is impossible to know whether copying is possible without actually starting copying. That is, it is impossible to know whether or not the target information can be copied before the actual copying is started.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an information recording medium capable of knowing whether or not the target information can be copied before actually performing the copying operation, and a recording apparatus and reproducing apparatus therefor. There is.

In view of the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is a plurality of recording information pieces independent of each other in an information recording medium, each of which includes entity information to be reproduced, and the individual recording information pieces. A plurality of individual duplication information pieces that define whether or not the individual recording information pieces are prohibited from being copied, and a plurality of recording information pieces, and a plurality of recording information pieces. A plurality of control information pieces that define a control method for reproducing the information pieces, and each of the plurality of control information pieces includes all or a part of the plurality of recorded information pieces to be controlled by itself. It is configured to include a set duplication information piece that defines whether or not duplication is prohibited.

  According to the information recording medium configured as described above, control information pieces for reproducing a plurality of recorded information pieces are configured in a multi-level hierarchical structure, and each control information piece is controlled by itself. A plurality of recorded information pieces including a collective duplicate information piece that defines whether or not duplication is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to specify whether or not duplication is possible for each unit to be controlled in each layer, and efficient copy control is possible.

The invention according to claim 3 is a plurality of recording information pieces independent from each other, each of which is included in a plurality of recording information pieces including entity information to be reproduced, and the individual recording information pieces, A control method for reproducing a plurality of recorded information pieces by configuring a plurality of individual copied information pieces that define whether or not each piece of recorded information pieces is prohibited from copying and a plurality of individual information sets and a hierarchical structure of a plurality of floors. A plurality of control information pieces, each of which defines whether or not all or a part of the plurality of record information pieces to be controlled by itself are copy-prohibited. the reproducing apparatus of the information recording medium including a set copy information pieces, the duplicate command input means for receiving designation information to be duplicated commands and replication, the aggregate copy information pieces related to the subject to information of the copy Duplicate information detection means to detect And a notification means for notifying the user that copying is prohibited immediately when the copy information detecting means detects that all recorded information pieces to be controlled are copy-prohibited. Constitute.

According to the thus constructed reproduction apparatus as described above, copy information detecting means detects said set copy information pieces related to the subject to information of the copy. Further, the notifying means immediately notifies that copying is prohibited when all recorded information pieces controlled by a certain control information piece are prohibited from being copied. Therefore, the user can immediately know that copying is impossible.

According to the invention of claim 4 , in the reproducing apparatus of claim 3 , when it is detected by the copy information detection means that all the recorded information pieces to be controlled can be copied, An output means for immediately outputting the information to be copied is provided.

  According to the reproducing apparatus configured as described above, when it is detected that all the recorded information pieces to be controlled by a certain control information piece can be duplicated, the output means immediately determines the duplication target. To output information. Therefore, it is possible to perform a duplication operation quickly.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the reproducing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the copy information detecting means detects that a part of the plurality of recorded information pieces to be controlled is copy prohibited. In such a case, it is configured to include an output unit that refers to the individual copy information piece and outputs only the record information piece defined to be duplicatable.

According to the thus constructed reproduction apparatus of the above control if some of the plurality of record information pieces to be your object is detected by the copy information detecting means that the duplication inhibition, the output means the individual replicate The information piece is referred to, and only the recorded information piece that is specified to be duplicated is output. Therefore, it is possible to reliably duplicate only the part that can be duplicated.

According to the invention of claim 6, wherein a plurality of record information pieces independently of one another, a first piece of information creation means can respectively create multiple record information pieces containing the reproduction target serving entity information A second information piece creating means for creating a plurality of individual copy information pieces defining whether or not the individual record information pieces are prohibited from being copied in the record information pieces, and for reproducing the plurality of record information pieces. A third information piece creating means for creating a plurality of control information pieces for defining the control method, and a hierarchical structure in which the control information pieces are configured in a hierarchical structure of a plurality of floors by assembling the plurality of control information pieces Based on the configuration means and the individual duplication information piece, whether or not all or part of the plurality of recording information pieces to be controlled by the control information piece is copy-prohibited for each control information piece The control information 4th information piece creation means to create in the information, the recording information piece, the individual duplication information piece included in the recording information piece, the control information piece and the collective duplication information piece contained in the control information piece Forming means for forming on the recording medium.

  According to the recording apparatus configured as described above, the first to third information piece creation means create a recording information piece, an individual duplicate information piece, and a control information piece, respectively, and the hierarchical structure construction means controls Layer information pieces. The fourth information piece creating means creates a set control information piece for each of the control information pieces, and the forming means forms these information pieces on the recording medium. Accordingly, it is possible to specify whether or not copying is possible for each control information layered.

  Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. Note that the embodiment described below describes an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to the DVD.

  In the following embodiments, an example of each constituent element in the scope of the claims shown on the left side of the following list is composed of elements shown on the right side of the following list.

Record information piece: VOB unit Individual copy information piece: Video copy information and audio copy information Control information: PGC and higher layer control information (control data, etc.)
Collective Duplicate Information Piece: Copy Flag [1] Embodiment of Information Recording Medium First, the physical and logical configuration and operation of a DVD which is an embodiment of an information recording medium to which the present invention is applied will be described. To do.

  First, a recording format (physical recording format) of video information and audio information on a DVD will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the DVD 1 of the embodiment has a lead-in area LI at its innermost periphery and a lead-out area LO at its outermost periphery, during which video information and audio information are stored. Are divided into a plurality of VTSs 3 (VTS # 1 to VTS # n) each having an ID (identification) number and stored. Here, VTS (Video Title Set) refers to a title (such as a movie, etc.) that a producer wants to present to the viewer (same attributes such as audio, sub-picture stream number and specifications, and corresponding language). A set of two works). More specifically, for example, for a single movie, a plurality of movies in different languages are recorded as titles or the same movie. Even if it exists, the movie version and the special version are stored as different titles. In addition, the video manager 2 is recorded at the head of the area where the VTS 3 is recorded. The information recorded as the video manager 2 includes, for example, video information and audio recorded on the DVD 1 such as a menu for each title, information for preventing illegal copying, or an access table for accessing each title. Information related to the entire information is recorded.

  One VTS 3 is divided and recorded into a plurality of VOBs 10 each having an ID number, starting with the control data 11. Here, a portion constituted by a plurality of VOBs 10 is referred to as a VOB set (VOBS). This VOB set is a VOB set for the entity part in order to distinguish between control data 11 which is other data constituting the VTS 3 and a plurality of VOB 10 parts which are entities of video information and audio information. .

  In the control data 11 recorded at the head of the VTS 3, PGCI (Program Chain Information), which is various information related to the program chain, is a logical division combining a plurality of cells (cells will be described later). The In each VOB 10, a substantial part of video information and audio information (video or audio itself other than control information) is recorded. One VOB 10 is composed of a plurality of cells 20 each having an ID number. Here, one VOB 10 is configured to be completed by a plurality of cells 20, and one cell 20 does not straddle two VOBs 10.

  Next, one cell 20 includes a plurality of VOB units (VOBU) 30 each having an ID number. Here, the VOB unit 30 is an information unit including each of video information, audio information, and sub-video information (referring to sub-video information such as subtitles in a movie).

  One VOB unit 30 includes a navigation pack 41, a video pack 42 as video information, an audio pack 43 as audio information, and a sub-picture pack 44 as sub-video information. Here, as the video pack 42, a packet including image data is recorded, and as the audio pack 43, a packet including audio data is recorded. Further, the sub-picture pack 44 records a packet containing graphic data such as characters and graphics as sub-pictures. The standard stipulates that there are 8 types of audio that can be recorded on the DVD 1 and 32 types of sub-video that can be recorded.

  The playback time corresponding to one VOB unit 30 (playback time corresponding to data recorded between one navigation pack 41 and the navigation pack 41 adjacent to the one navigation pack 41) is 0. Recorded to have a length of 4 seconds or more.

  Further, the navigation pack 41 always exists at the top in one VOBU, but the video pack 42, the audio pack 43, and the sub-picture pack 44 do not necessarily exist, and even if they exist, the number and order thereof are arbitrary. is there.

  Lastly, the navigation pack 41 uses DSI (Data, which is search information for searching for video and audio to be displayed (specifically, an address on the DVD 1 in which the video and audio to be displayed are recorded)). Search Information) packet 51 and a PCI (Presentation Control Information) packet 50 which is information relating to display control when displaying video, audio, etc. searched based on DSI packet 51, and further, in one VOBU. All included video data 42 is composed of one or more GOPs (Group Of Pictures) 52. It should be noted that the PCI data 50 includes highlight information that defines the display and operation when the item is selected for the selection item selected by the viewer. Depending on the highlight information, for example, in an image (so-called menu screen) displaying an item to be selected by the viewer, a screen display change with respect to the selected item, a display position to be changed, and a command corresponding to the selected item (selected The instruction to be executed corresponding to the selected item) is set. Here, image information for configuring and displaying a frame, a selection button, and the like necessary for configuring and displaying the menu screen is recorded as the sub-picture packet 44 which is the sub-picture information.

  Further, the GOP 52 can be independently played back as defined in the MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group 2) standard, which is an image compression method employed when recording image information on the DVD 1 in the present embodiment. The smallest image unit.

  In the hierarchical structure recording format shown in FIG. 1 described above, each section can be recorded by the producer by freely setting the section according to the intention. By performing reproduction for each of these sections based on the logical structure described later, various reproductions with various changes can be made.

  Next, a logical format (logical structure) in which information recorded by the physical division shown in FIG. 1 is combined will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the logical structure shown in FIG. 2 does not actually record information on the DVD 1 in that structure, but combines the data (particularly cell 20) shown in FIG. 1 with the logical structure shown in FIG. Information for reproduction (access information, time information, etc.) is recorded on the DVD 1, particularly in the control data 11.

  For clarification of the description, starting from the lower hierarchy of FIG. 2, by selecting and combining a plurality of cells 20 from the physical structure described in FIG. It is logically constructed based on the intention of the producer. The program 60 is also a minimum logical unit that can be accessed by a command by a system controller in a playback apparatus described later by identifying a partition. The producer can also define a group of one or more programs 60 as a minimum unit that can be freely selected and viewed by the viewer, and this unit is referred to as a PTT (Part Of Title).

  In addition, since one program 60 is logically configured by selecting a plurality of cells 20, one cell 20 is used in a plurality of programs 60, that is, one cell 20 is used in a plurality of different programs 60. It is also possible to reuse the so-called cell 20 to be reproduced.

  Here, the number of one cell 20 is handled as a cell ID number in the order of recording in the VOB 10 when the cell 20 is handled in the physical format shown in FIG. 1 (shown as cell ID # in FIG. 1). 2 are handled as cell numbers in the order of description in PGCI described later.

  Next, by combining a plurality of programs 60, one PGC (Program Chain) 61 is logically configured based on the intention of the producer. The above-described PGCI (Program Chain Information) is defined in units of the PGC 61, and the reproduction order of the cells 20 for each program 60 when the respective programs 60 are reproduced (the program 60 depends on the reproduction order). A unique program number is assigned to each cell.), The address of the recording position of each cell 20 on the DVD 1, the number of the first cell 20 to be reproduced in one program 60, the reproduction method of each program 60 and various commands ( A command that can be specified by the producer for each PGC 61 or cell 20 is included. Note that the recording position of the PGCI on the DVD 1 is in the control data 11 as described above, or in the control data (not shown) of the video manager 2 if it is PGCI related to the menu in the video manager 2. .

  In addition to the PGCI, one PGC 61 includes data such as substantial images and sounds as a combination of the programs 60 (in other words, as a combination of the cells 20).

  Furthermore, in one PGC 61, it is possible to reuse the cell 20 shown in the description of the program 60 (that is, the same cell 20 is used by different PGC 61). In addition to the method of reproducing the cells 20 in the order stored in the DVD 1 (reproduction of continuously arranged cells), the cells 20 to be used are reproduced regardless of the order stored in the DVD 1 (for example, later The producer can select a method (reproduction of non-contiguously arranged cells), for example, reproducing the recorded cell 20 first.

  Next, one title 62 is logically configured by one or a plurality of PGCs 61. The title 62 is a unit corresponding to, for example, one movie, and is complete information that the producer wants to provide to the viewer of the DVD 1.

  One or more titles 62 logically constitute one VTS 63. The titles 62 included in the VTS 63 have common attributes. For example, a movie in a different language corresponds to each title 62 for one same movie. Further, information corresponding to one VTS 63 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to information included in one VTS 3 shown in FIG. That is, all information included in the logical VTS 63 shown in FIG. 2 is recorded as one VTS 3 on the DVD 1.

  Based on the logical format described above, the producer specifies the information divided in the physical structure, thereby forming a video (movie or the like) that the viewer should see.

  Since it is necessary to record information of various levels as described above, the information having the above-described recording format is not limited to recording one movie as in the DVD 1, As for subtitles and the like, it is particularly suitable for an information recording medium having a large storage capacity capable of recording audio and subtitles of a plurality of languages on the same optical disc.

  Next, among the image information and audio information having the above physical structure and logical structure, information relating to copy control in the present invention will be described in detail.

  In the present invention, a copy flag, video copy information, and audio copy information are introduced as information relating to copy control.

  The copy flag is recorded in a plurality of hierarchies in the above hierarchical structure. FIG. 3 shows the position where the copy flag is recorded. As shown in the figure, the copy flag is recorded in the video manager 2, the control data 11, and the PGCI. The copy flag CF1 recorded in the video manager 2 is 2-bit information and defines whether or not recording information under management in the video manager 2, that is, video and audio information can be copied. When the copy flag CF1 is “00”, full-copying is prohibited. That is, it is prohibited to copy any information under the management of the video manager 2 to another recording medium. When the copy flag CF1 is "11", full copy permission is indicated. That is, it is permitted to copy all information under the management of the video manager 2 to another recording medium. When the copy flag CF1 is "01", partial copy permission is indicated. That is, the information under the management of the video manager 2 includes both information that is permitted to be copied to other recording media and information that is prohibited from being copied. .

  When the user wants to copy all the information recorded on the DVD to another recording medium, first, the copy flag CF1 is referred to. If the copy flag CF1 is "00", it can be seen that all recorded information on the DVD is copy-prohibited, so that the user can be notified immediately by displaying such information, and the user cannot wait. Absent. The “copy permission” in the copy flag CF1 is defined as including both a case where copying can be performed without limitation and a case where copying can be performed only once. The specific copy number limit is defined in video copy information and audio copy information, which will be described later.

  The copy flag is also recorded in the control data 11 provided in each VTS 3. This is called a copy flag CF2. The copy flag CF2 is 2-bit information similar to the copy flag CF1, and regulates whether or not recording information placed under the control of the control data 11 can be copied. When the copy flag CF2 is “00”, full-copying is prohibited. That is, it is prohibited to copy any information under the control of the controller 11 to another recording medium. When the copy flag CF2 is "11", full copy permission is indicated. That is, it is allowed to copy all information under the control of the controller 11 to another recording medium. When the copy flag CF2 is "01", partial copy permission is indicated. That is, the information under the control of the controller 11 includes both information that is permitted to be copied to another recording medium and information that is prohibited to be copied.

  Further, the copy flag is also recorded in the PGCI in the control data 11. This is called a copy flag CF3. The copy flag CF3 is also 2-bit information like the copy flags CF1 and CF2, and regulates whether or not the recording information placed under the control of the PGCI can be copied. When the copy flag CF2 is “00”, full-copying is prohibited. That is, copying any information under the control of the PGCI to another recording medium is prohibited. When the copy flag CF3 is "11", full copy permission is indicated. That is, all information under the control of the PGCI is allowed to be copied to another recording medium. When the copy flag CF3 is "01", partial copy permission is indicated. That is, the information under the control of the PGCI means that both information prohibited from being copied to other recording media and information allowed to be copied are included.

  As described above, the present invention is characterized in that the copy flag indicating whether or not the recording information can be copied is provided in a plurality of layers. As a result, information on whether or not copying is possible is obtained for each piece of recorded information managed as unit information in each layer from the upper layer to the lower layer, so that it depends on the size of information to be copied. Efficient copy control.

  In addition, video copy information and audio copy information are recorded in the PCI data 50 in the navigation pack 41. FIG. 4 shows an example of recording video copy information and audio copy information. As shown in the figure, the video copy information CV and the audio copy information CA are both 2-bit information, and define whether video information and audio information can be copied, respectively. The navigation pack 41 is provided for each VOB unit 30 as described above, and the video copy information CV includes video data (ie, video data 42, sub-picture data) recorded in the VOB unit 30 to which the navigation pack 41 belongs. 44) defines whether or not copying is prohibited. Specifically, when the video copy information CV is “00”, it means that copying of all video data in the VOB unit 30 to which the video copy information CV belongs to another recording medium is prohibited. To do. Further, when the video copy information CV is “01”, it means that copying of all video data in the VOB unit 30 to which the video copy information belongs is permitted only once to another recording medium. To do. Further, when the video copy information CV is “11”, it means that the video data in the VOB unit 30 to which the video copy information belongs is permitted to be copied to another recording medium without limitation.

  Similarly, the audio copy information CA defines whether or not the audio data (that is, the audio data 43) recorded in the VOB unit 30 to which it belongs is prohibited from being copied. Specifically, when the audio copy information CA is “00”, it means that copying of all audio data in the VOB unit 30 to which the audio copy information belongs to another recording medium is prohibited. . Further, when the audio copy information CV is “01”, it means that all audio data in the VOB unit 30 to which the audio copy information belongs can be copied only once to another recording medium. To do. Furthermore, when the audio copy information CV is “11”, it means that copying of audio data in the VOB unit 30 to which the audio copy information belongs to another recording medium is permitted without limitation.

  As described above, in the recording medium according to the present invention, the video copy information CV and the audio copy information CA are provided in the PCI data 50 in the navigation pack 41, so that whether or not recording information can be copied in units of VOB units is defined. can do. Therefore, specifically, it is possible to set whether or not copying is possible in units of about 0.4 seconds at the minimum, and it is possible to perform copy control in fine units. Moreover, since the video copy information CV and the audio copy information CA are defined independently, both can be controlled independently. For example, for recording information in the same VOB unit, it is possible to perform control such that only one of video information and audio information is prohibited from being copied, and many variations can be added to copy control.

  Next, the relationship between the above-mentioned copy flag, video copy information, and audio copy information will be described. As already described, the copy flag is provided in a plurality of layers of the DVD 1, and each of them specifies whether or not the information included in the information unit in the layer can be copied. Therefore, there is no contradiction between the contents of the copy flag set at the upper level and the contents of the copy flag set at the lower level, and the content of the copy flag at each level and the video copy recorded at the lowest level. There is no contradiction in the contents of information and audio copy information. More specifically, first, when the highest copy flag CF1 indicates "00", this means that all recorded data (specifically, titles) under the management of the video manager 2 is set to copy prohibition. It means that Accordingly, the copy flags CF2 and CF3 existing in the layers below it are all “00” indicating copy prohibition, and the video copy information CV and audio copy information CA (hereinafter referred to as “video copy information etc.”) in the PCI data 50. .) Is “00” indicating copy prohibition at any location.

  On the other hand, when the highest copy flag CF1 indicates “11”, this means that all recording data under the management of the video manager 2 is set to copy permission. Therefore, all the copy flags CF2 and CF3 existing in the hierarchy below that are "11" indicating full copy permission. However, since this “full copy permission” includes both a case where copying is permitted only once and a case where copying is permitted without limitation, the video copy information in the PCI data 50 is copied only once. It is either “01” indicating permission or “11” indicating copying permission without limitation on the number of times.

  Next, there is a case where the uppermost copy flag CF1 is “01” indicating partial copy prohibition. FIG. 5 shows a specified example of copy flag and video copy information below this case. When the copy flag CF1 is "01", the copy flag CF2 present in the control data 11 of the VTS 3 is "00" indicating full copy inhibition, "01" indicating partial copy permission, and "11" indicating full copy permission. There are three possible ways. When the copy flag CF2 is "00", all the lower copy flags CF3 are supposed to be "00" indicating full copy prohibition, and all video copy information in the range is "00" indicating copy prohibition. is there. Next, when the copy flag CF2 is "11" indicating full copy permission, all the lower copy flags CF3 are "11" indicating full copy permission. However, in the video copy information and the like within the range, both “01” indicating permission of copying only once and “11” indicating permission of copying without limitation on the number of times can be set. Finally, when the copy flag CF2 is "01" indicating partial copy permission, the lower copy flag CF3 indicates "00" indicating full copy prohibition, "01" indicating partial copy permission and full copy permission. One of “11”. In the range of “00” where the copy flag CF3 indicates copy prohibition, the video copy information and the like are all “00” indicating copy prohibition. On the other hand, when the copy flag CF3 is “01” indicating partial copy permission, the video copy information and the like in that range is “00” indicating copy prohibition, “01” indicating copy permission only once, and “01 indicating copy permission”. 11 ”can be set. Finally, within the range of “11” where the copy flag CF3 indicates full copy permission, the video copy information or the like is set to either “01” indicating copy permission only or “11” indicating copy permission.

[2] Embodiment of Recording Apparatus Next, an embodiment of a recording apparatus for recording the control information including the above-described copy flag, video copy information, video information, and audio information on the DVD 1 will be described with reference to FIG. To do. First, the configuration and operation of the recording apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the recording apparatus S1 according to this embodiment includes a VTR (Video Tape Recorder) 70, a memory 71, a signal processing unit 72, hard disk devices 73 and 74, a controller 75, and a multiplexer 76. And a modulator 77 and a mastering device 78.

  Next, the operation will be described.

  In the VTR 70, recording information R which is a material such as music information and video information to be recorded on the DVD 1 is temporarily recorded. The recording information R temporarily recorded in the VTR 70 is output to the signal processing unit 72 in response to a request from the signal processing unit 72. The signal processing unit 72 performs A / D conversion on the recording information R output from the VTR 1, then compresses the information by the MPEG2 method, time-multiplexes the music information and the video information, and outputs the compressed multiplexed signal Sr. Thereafter, the output compressed multiplexed signal Sr is temporarily stored in the hard disk device 73.

  In parallel with these, the memory 71 predivides the recording information R into partial recording information Pr, and the partial information inputted in advance based on the cue sheet ST on which the control information and the like related to the partial recording information Pr is described. Content information relating to the recording information Pr is temporarily stored and output as a content information signal Si based on a request from the signal processing unit 72. Based on the time code Tt corresponding to the recording information R output from the VTR 70 and the content information signal Si output from the memory 71, the signal processing unit 72 corresponds to the partial recording information Pr by referring to the time code Tt. An access information signal Sac is generated and output, and the access information signal Sac is temporarily stored in the hard disk device 74. The above processing is executed for the entire recording information R.

  When the above processing is completed for all the recording information R, the controller 75 reads the compressed multiplexed signal Sr from the hard disk device 73 and reads the access information signal Sac from the hard disk device 74, and generates the additional information Da based on these. Store in the hard disk device 74. The contents of the copy flag, video copy information, and audio copy information in this embodiment are determined in advance by the producer of the DVD 1 and stored in the hard disk 74. Under the control of the signal processing unit 72, the copy flags CF1 to CF3, the video copy information CV, and the audio copy information CA are included in the additional information Da. That is, the copy flag CF1 is included in the additional information Da as information recorded in the video manager 2, the copy flag CF2 is recorded as information in the control data 11, and the copy flag CF3 is recorded as information recorded in the PGCI. It is done. Further, the video copy information CV and the audio information CA are included in the additional information Da as information recorded in the PCI data 50 in the navigation pack 41.

  On the other hand, the controller 75 performs time management of operations of the signal processing unit 72, the hard disk device 73, and the hard disk device 74, and outputs an additional information signal Sa corresponding to the additional information Da read from the hard disk device 74 and compresses it. An information selection signal Sc for time-multiplexing the multiplexed signal Sr and the additional information signal Sa is generated and output.

  Thereafter, the compressed multiplexed signal Sr and the additional information signal Sa are time-axis multiplexed by the multiplexer 76 based on the information selection signal Sc and output as an information added compressed multiplexed signal Sap. At the stage of the information-added compression multiplexed signal Sap, the information to be recorded is synthesized with the control signal, the video information, and the audio information by the switching operation using the information selection signal Sc of the controller 75, and the physical structure (physical structure shown in FIG. Format). If sub-video information exists, it is input to the decoding processing unit 72 by other means such as an FD device (not shown) and processed in the same manner as video and audio information.

  Thereafter, the modulator 77 applies an error correction code (ECC) such as a Reed-Solomon code and modulation such as 8-16 modulation to the output information-added compressed multiplexed signal Sap to generate a disk recording signal Sm. Output to the mastering device 78.

  Finally, the mastering device 78 records the disk recording signal Sm on a stamper disk that becomes a master (cutting die) when manufacturing the optical disk. Then, an optical disc as a commercially available replica disc is manufactured by a replication device (not shown) using this stamper disc.

  As described above, a DVD in which the copy flags CF1 to CF3, the video copy information CV, and the audio copy information CA are recorded at the positions shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is created.

[3] Embodiment of Reproducing Apparatus Next, an embodiment of a reproducing apparatus for reproducing information recorded on the DVD 1 by the recording apparatus S1 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the overall configuration and operation of the playback apparatus according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the reproducing apparatus S2 according to this embodiment includes a pickup 80, a demodulation / correction unit 81, stream switches 82 and 84, a track buffer 83, a system buffer 85, a demultiplexer 86, and a VBV. (Video Buffer Verifier) buffer 87, video decoder 88, sub-picture buffer 89, sub-picture decoder 90, audio buffer 92, audio decoder 93, PCI buffer 94, PCI decoder 95, and highlight buffer 96 A highlight decoder 97, an input unit 98, a display 99, a system controller 100, a drive controller 101, a spindle motor 102, a slider motor 103, D / A converters 201 and 203, and an output control unit. 202 and 204 It is configured Ri. The configuration shown in FIG. 7 describes only the portion related to the reproduction of the image and sound in the configuration of the reproduction apparatus S2, and is a servo for servo-controlling the pickup 80, the spindle motor 102, the slider motor 103, and the like. Since the circuit and the like are the same as those of the prior art, the description and detailed description are omitted.

  Next, the overall operation will be described.

  The pickup 80 includes a laser diode, a deflection beam splitter, an objective lens, a photodetector, and the like (not shown). The pickup 80 irradiates the DVD 1 with the light beam B as reproduction light, and reflects the reflected light from the DVD 1 on the light beam B. It receives light and outputs a detection signal Sp corresponding to the information pit formed on the DVD 1. At this time, the light beam B is accurately applied to the information track on the DVD 1 and is focused on the information recording surface on the DVD 1 with respect to an objective lens (not shown) in the same manner as in the prior art. Thus, tracking servo control and focus servo control are performed.

  The detection signal Sp output from the pickup 80 is input to the demodulation and correction unit 81, subjected to demodulation processing and error correction processing to generate a demodulation signal Sdm, and is output to the stream switch 82 and the system buffer 85. The stream switch 82 to which the demodulated signal Sdm is input is controlled to open and close by the switch signal Ssw1 from the drive controller 101. When the stream switch 82 is closed, the input demodulated signal Sdm is directly passed through and output to the track buffer 83. On the other hand, when the stream switch 82 is opened, the demodulated signal Sdm is not output, and unnecessary information (signal) is not input to the track buffer 83.

  The track buffer 83 to which the demodulated signal Sdm is input is configured by a FIFO (First In First Out) memory or the like, temporarily stores the input demodulated signal Sdm, and when the stream switch 84 is closed, The stored demodulated signal Sdm is continuously output. The track buffer 83 compensates for a difference in data amount for each GOP in the MPEG2 system, and is a demodulated signal that is discontinuously input due to a track jump at the time of reading data divided into the interleaved unit IU. This is to output Sdm continuously and to cancel the interruption of reproduction due to the discontinuity.

  The stream switch 84 to which the demodulated signal Sdm is continuously input is used in the system so that in the demultiplexing process in the demultiplexer 86, the various buffers in the subsequent stage do not overflow or conversely become empty and the decoding process is not interrupted. Opening and closing is controlled by a switch signal Ssw2 from the controller 100.

  On the other hand, the system buffer 85 to which the demodulated signal Sdm is input in parallel with the track buffer 83 is detected first when the DVD 1 is loaded, and management information (video manager 2) and VTS 3 regarding the entire information recorded on the DVD 1 Control data 11 is output to the system controller 100 as control information Sc, and DSI data for each of the navigation packs 41 is temporarily stored as needed during information reproduction, and the control information Sc is stored in the system controller 100. Output as. Therefore, the above-mentioned copy flags CF1 to CF3 are output from the system buffer 85 as control information Sc and stored in a memory (not shown) in the system controller 100.

  In the demultiplexer 86 to which the demodulated signal Sdm is continuously input via the stream switch 84, the video information, audio information, sub-video information, and PCI data for each navigation pack 41 are separated from the demodulated signal Sdm, and the video signal Sv, sub-picture signal Ssp, audio signal Sad, and PCI signal Spc are output to VBV buffer 87, sub-picture buffer 89, audio buffer 92, and PCI buffer 94, respectively. Note that the demodulated signal Sdm may include a plurality of languages as separate streams as audio information or sub-picture information. In this case, the desired language is determined by the stream selection signal Slc from the system controller 100. Are selected and output to the audio buffer 92 or the sub-picture buffer 89, respectively.

  The VBV buffer 87 to which the video signal Sv is input is constituted by a FIFO memory or the like, temporarily stores the video signal Sv, and outputs it to the video decoder 88. The VBV buffer 87 is for compensating for variations in the data amount for each picture in the video signal Sv compressed by the MPEG2 system. Then, the video signal Sv compensated for the variation in the data amount is input to the video decoder 88, demodulated by the MPEG2 system, and output to the mixer 91 as a demodulated video signal Svd.

  The sub picture buffer 89 to which the sub video signal Ssp is input temporarily stores the input sub video signal Ssp and outputs it to the sub picture decoder 90. The sub picture buffer 89 is for outputting the sub video information included in the sub video signal Ssp in synchronization with the image information corresponding to the sub video information. Then, the sub video signal Ssp synchronized with the video information is input to the sub picture decoder 90, demodulated, and output to the mixer 91 as a demodulated sub video signal Sspd. When the sub-video signal Ssp includes image information for configuring a frame, a selection button, etc. necessary for configuring and displaying the menu screen, a highlight control signal from the system controller 100 is displayed. Based on Sch, the display state of the selection button to be displayed is changed and output.

  The demodulated video signal Svd output from the video decoder 88 and the demodulated sub-video signal Sspd output from the sub-picture decoder 90 (synchronized with the corresponding demodulated video signal Svd) are mixed by the mixer 91, The final image signal Svp to be displayed is input to the D / A converter 201 and the output control unit 202. The image signal Svp is a digital signal, and the D / A converter converts it into an analog video signal Sva and outputs it. The output control unit 202 is controlled by the control signal Scv supplied from the system controller 100, and outputs a digital image signal Svd by adding additional information for the digital interface. The content of the control signal Scv is determined based on the video copy information, details of which will be described later.

  Next, the audio buffer 92 to which the audio signal Sad is input is configured by a FIFO memory or the like, and temporarily stores the input audio signal Sad and outputs it to the audio decoder 93. The audio buffer 92 is for outputting the audio signal Sad in synchronization with the video signal Sv or the sub-video signal Ssp including the corresponding video information, and delays the audio signal Sad according to the output status of the corresponding video information. Let The audio signal Sad time-adjusted so as to synchronize with the corresponding video information is output to the audio decoder 93, subjected to predetermined decoding, and as a demodulated audio signal Sadd, a D / A converter 203 and an output control unit 204. Supplied to. The demodulated audio signal Sadd is a digital signal, and the D / A converter 203 converts it into an analog audio signal Saa and outputs it to the analog audio output terminal. The output control unit 204 is controlled by a control signal Sca supplied from the system controller 100, and outputs a digital audio signal Sda with additional information added for the digital interface. The content of the control signal Sca is determined based on the audio copy information, details of which will be described later. When it is detected that it is necessary to temporarily interrupt (pause) the playback immediately after access, the system controller 100 outputs a pause signal Scp to the audio decoder 93, and the audio decoder 93 The output of the demodulated audio signal Sadd is temporarily stopped.

  Further, the PCI buffer 94 to which the PCI signal Spc is input is configured by a FIFO memory or the like, and temporarily stores the input PCI signal Spc and outputs it to the PCI decoder 95. Video copy information CV and audio copy information CA shown in FIG. 4 are included in this PCI signal and stored in the PCI buffer 94. The PCI buffer 94 is for synchronizing the PCI data included in the PCI signal Spc with the video information, sub-video information, etc. corresponding to the PCI data, and applying the PCI data to the video information, sub-video information, etc. is there. The PCI signal Spc synchronized with the corresponding video information or sub-picture information by the PCI buffer 94 is separated from the highlight information included in the PCI data by the PCI decoder 95 and output to the highlight buffer 96 as the highlight signal Shi. At the same time, the portion other than the highlight information of the PCI data is output to the system controller 100 as the PCI information signal Spci. Accordingly, the video copy information CV and the audio copy information CA are supplied to the system controller 100 in a form included in the PCI information signal Spci.

  The highlight buffer 96 to which the highlight signal Shi is input is composed of a FIFO memory or the like, temporarily stores the input highlight signal Shi, and outputs it to the highlight decoder 97. The highlight buffer 96 is a time for accurately changing the display state of the selection item corresponding to the highlight information in response to the sub-picture signal Ssp including the image information for the highlight information. This is a buffer for performing axis compensation. The highlight signal Shi subjected to time axis compensation is decoded by the highlight decoder 97, and information included in the highlight signal Shi is output to the system controller 100 as a demodulated highlight signal Shid. Here, the system controller 100 outputs the above-described highlight control signal Sch in order to change the display state based on the highlight information based on the demodulated highlight signal Shid.

  The system controller 100 corresponds to the control information Sc input from the system buffer 85, the PCI information signal Spci input from the PCI decoder 95, and the input signal Sin input from the input unit 98 such as a remote controller. In order to perform the correct reproduction, the switch signal Ssw2, the stream selection signal Slc, the pause signal Sca, and the highlight control signal Sch are output, and the display signal Sdp is displayed on the liquid crystal display device in order to display the operation status of the reproduction device S2. To the display 99. Further, the system controller 100 sends a control signal Scv to the output control unit 202 to the output control unit 204 based on the copy flags CF1 to CF2, the video copy information CV, and the audio copy information CA included in the PCI information signal Scpi. The control signal Sca and the control signal Sss are output to the output terminal to the outside of the reproducing apparatus.

  Further, when the system controller 100 detects from the PCI information signal Spci or the like that a track jump process such as a search is necessary for seamless reproduction, the system controller 100 performs the track jump process on the drive controller 101. The corresponding seamless control signal Scsl is output.

  The drive controller 101 to which the seamless control signal Scsl is input outputs a drive signal Sd to the spindle motor 102 or the slider motor 103. In response to this drive signal Sd, the spindle motor 102 or the slider motor 103 moves the pickup 2 so that the light beam B is applied to the recording position on the DVD 1 to be reproduced, and controls the rotational speed of the DVD 1 by CLV (FIG. 7). (See dashed arrow). In parallel with this, when the pickup 2 is moving and the demodulation signal Sdm is not output from the demodulation correction unit 3, the drive controller 101 outputs the switch signal Ssw1 based on the seamless control signal Scsl and opens the stream switch 82. At the same time, when the demodulated signal Sdm starts to be output, the stream switch 82 is closed and the demodulated signal Sdm is output to the track buffer 83.

  Next, a copy control process by the reproducing apparatus S2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of copy control according to the present invention. When copying, normally, the playback device and the recording device are connected, and the recording information is supplied from the playback device to the recording device. In the following description, it is assumed that the playback device S2 functions as a playback side and supplies data to a recording device connected thereto. The following processing is basically performed by the system controller 100 controlling other components.

  If the video copy information, etc., of the recording information to be copied is “01” indicating that copying is permitted only once, copy the video copy information, etc., when copying the video copy information, etc. to the recording medium. It is necessary to record on the recording medium after changing to “00” indicating prohibition. As a method in this case, there are a method of changing the video copy information etc. at the playback side device and supplying it to the recording side device, and a method of outputting it as it is at the playback side device, and a recording side device changing this and recording it There are two methods. That is, in the former, after the reproduction side apparatus changes the video copy information or the like for the recording information to be copied from “01” indicating copy permission only to “00” indicating copy prohibition, the reproduction side apparatus changes to the recording side apparatus. It is a supply method. In the latter case, the playback side apparatus supplies the video copy information or the like as it is without change, and also supplies control information indicating that the information is permitted to be copied only once as additional information Svd, Sda for the digital interface. To the recording-side apparatus by a method such as The recording-side apparatus refers to this control signal and changes the video copy information corresponding to the supplied signal from “01” to “00” and records it. In practice, the latter method is generally used. However, in the following description, the former case will be described first, and further the processing in the latter case will be referred to.

  First, the user determines a title X to be copied, and inputs an instruction to copy the title to the playback device S2 (step S0). Then, the system controller 100 searches the video manager 2, reads the copy flag CF1 recorded therein (step S1), and checks the content (step S2). When the copy flag CF1 is “11”, all the titles under the management of the video manager 2 are copyable, so that the title X selected by the user can also be copied. Therefore, the system controller 100 searches for the VTS 3 including the head PGC of the title X (step S3), and further searches the head PGC (step S4). Then, the title data is reproduced according to the PGC (step S5). Here, at the time of reproduction, the system controller 100 refers to the video copy information and the like in the navigation pack of each VOB unit 30. In this case, since the copy flag CF1 in the video manager 2 is “11”, the video copy information or the like is “01” indicating that copying can be performed only once, or “01” indicating that copying is possible without limitation on the number of times. 11 ".

  When the video copy information or the like is “01” that permits copying only once, in a system in which the video copy information is changed on the playback device side, the system controller 100 changes the video copy information and the like to “00”, Control information Scv and Sca including this are supplied to the output control units 202 and 204. On the other hand, in the case of a system in which video copy information or the like is changed on the recording side, the system controller 100 does not change the video copy information to “01”, but information indicating that the information is copy-only once is digital interface Is included in the additional information for the control information Scv and Sca, and is supplied to the output control units 202 and 204. The output control units 202 and 204 add additional information for the digital interface to the input digital signals Svp and Sadd and output them from the output terminal as Sva and Sda, respectively. The recording side apparatus receives this and records it on the recording medium. At this time, the recording side apparatus refers to the additional information, and records the video copy information etc. from “01” to “00” for recording information that is permitted to be copied only once.

  On the other hand, when the video copy information or the like is “11”, the system controller 100 supplies the control information Scv and Sca to the output control units 202 and 204 without changing the information. The output control units 202 and 204 add additional information for the digital interface to the input digital signals Svp and Sadd and output them from the output terminal as Sva and Sda, respectively. The recording side apparatus receives this and records it on the recording medium (step S5). Next, it is checked whether or not there is a PGC following the PGC (step S6). If there is a PGC, the process returns to step S4 to repeat the above processing. On the other hand, if there is no subsequent PGC, the process ends.

  If it is determined in step S2 that the copy flag CF1 is "00", all titles under the control of the video manager 2 are copy-prohibited, and of course the title X selected by the user is also set to copy-prohibited. Has been. Therefore, the system controller 100 notifies the user that the title is copy-prohibited by a method such as displaying on the display 99, and the process is terminated (step S7). In this case, since the designated title is not reproduced, it is naturally not copied.

  If it is determined in step S2 that the copy flag CF1 is "01", the system controller 100 searches for the VTS3 including the first PGC of the title X selected by the user, and the control data 11 of the VTS3. The copy flag CF2 included therein is referred to (step S9). If the copy flag CF2 is "11", all titles included in the VTS can be copied, so the process jumps to step S4 to start reproducing the title (steps S4 to S6). At this time, the process in the case of “01” indicating that the video copy information and the like can be copied only once is the same as the case described above. That is, in the case of a system in which the video copy information is changed on the playback side, the playback side apparatus changes the information to “00” and outputs it. On the other hand, in the case of a system in which the video copy information is changed on the recording side, the playback side apparatus outputs the information as “01”, and the recording apparatus side refers to the content of the additional information and changes it to “00”. To do. On the other hand, if the copy flag CF2 is “00”, since all titles included in the VTS are set to copy-prohibited, the process jumps to step S7 to notify the user that copy is prohibited. The process is terminated (step S7).

  On the other hand, if the copy flag CF2 is "10" in step S9, the record data included in the VTS includes both data that can be copied and data that cannot be copied. Therefore, the system controller 100 checks the copy flag CF3 included in the first PGC of the title X searched in step S8 (step S10).

  If the copy flag CF3 is "11", all the recorded data controlled by the PGC can be copied, so the PGC is read (step S11) and reproduced accordingly (step S12). Also in this case, as with the case of step S5, it is necessary to change the video copy information etc. for the recording information that can be copied only once. Therefore, in the case of a system in which the video copy information is changed on the playback side, the playback side apparatus changes the information to “00” and outputs it. On the other hand, in the case of a system in which the video copy information is changed on the recording side, the playback side apparatus outputs the information as “01”, and the recording apparatus side refers to the content of the additional information and changes it to “00”. To do.

  If it is determined in step S10 that the copy flag CF3 is "00", all the recording data controlled by the PGC is prohibited from being copied, so that the user is notified (step S13). Subsequently, it is confirmed to the user whether or not to continue the subsequent copy process (step S14). This is because the user may want to cancel copying when a part of the PGC included in the title selected by the user includes a copy-prohibited one. That is, when the user cannot copy all the contents of the selected title X without omission, if he / she thinks that there is no need to perform copying, he / she inputs that fact (step S14: No), and the process ends. On the other hand, if the user wants to copy because there is only a portion that can be copied even if the selected title is missing, the fact is input (step S14: Yes), and the process is as follows. Move to PGC (step S18).

  If the copy flag CF3 is "01" in step S10, the recording data controlled by the PGC includes data that can be copied and data that is copy-inhibited. Therefore, the system controller 100 notifies the user that a part of the recording information that is prohibited from copying is included (step S15), and confirms with the user whether or not the process is to be continued (step S16). When the user inputs an instruction to stop the process (step S16: No), the process ends at that point. On the other hand, when the user inputs that the process is to be continued (step S16: Yes), the system controller 100 reads the recorded data in accordance with the PGC. At this time, video copy information and audio copy information in each navigation pack are sequentially read, and it is determined whether or not copying is possible for each VOB unit. That is, when the video copy information CV and the audio copy information CA are “00”, the VOB unit is not reproduced. Alternatively, the system controller 100 stops the output of digital data from the output control units 202 and 204 using the control signals Scv and Sca. When the video copy information CV and the audio copy information CA are “01”, the recorded information is reproduced. As a result, since the recorded data is not output for the portion set to copy prohibition, the copy is not performed. On the other hand, when the video copy information CV and the audio copy information CA are “01”, it is necessary to change the information at the time of recording. In this case, as described above, in the case of a system in which video copy information or the like is changed on the playback side, the playback-side device changes the information to “00” and outputs it. On the other hand, in the case of a system in which the video copy information is changed on the recording side, the playback side apparatus outputs the information as “01”, and the recording apparatus side refers to the content of the additional information and changes it to “00”. To do.

  When the above processing is completed, the system controller 100 determines whether or not there is a subsequent PGC in step S18, and if so, returns to step S10 and repeats the processing. On the other hand, when the final PGC is reached (step S18: No), the process is terminated.

  In the above description, the case where the video copy information CV and the audio copy information CA match is described, but there may be cases where the two do not match. For example, this is a case where only audio signals can be copied. In such a case, the system controller 100 checks both of them and reproduces only the information that is set to be copyable. Note that, in the case where copying is possible only once, the content of the video copy information or the like is changed on the reproduction side or the recording side as in the above case.

  As described above, in the present invention, the copy flag for specifying whether or not copying is possible is provided in a plurality of hierarchies. Therefore, when the information unit designated by the user can be copied for all the information, the copying process is immediately performed. If it is started and copying is prohibited, the user can be notified immediately and the processing can be stopped. Accordingly, useless copy operations are not performed. In addition, if there are both copyable parts and copy-prohibited parts in the information unit specified by the user, the user can be notified and control the copy operation according to the user's instructions. Can be copied.

  Now consider the application of the present invention to various systems for copying. In the above description, the digital signal output is controlled by using the reproduction apparatus S2 on the reproduction side of the copy process, and the recording operation on the recording apparatus side is not particularly controlled. That is, the playback device S2 does not output digital data for the portion set to copy prohibition. This makes it possible to accurately prohibit copying regardless of the recording side of the apparatus. However, in practice, copying is generally performed while simultaneously controlling the playback operation on the playback device side and the recording operation on the recording device side. The application of the present invention in such a case will be described below.

  FIG. 9A shows a system in which the reproducing apparatus side has the initiative and supplies a control signal to the recording apparatus side for copying. In this system, the playback device S2 according to the present invention operates as a playback-side device. That is, the system controller 100 in the reproduction apparatus S2 detects the copy flags CF1 to CF3, video copy information CV and audio copy information CA recorded on the copy source DVD, and determines whether or not copying is possible. When the recording information (title) to be copied can be copied, the digital video signal Svp and the digital audio signal Sadd are supplied to the recording device RC, and the control signal Sss whose content is permitted to be recorded. To the recording device. If the information can be copied only once, the video copy information or the like needs to be changed. Therefore, in the case of a system in which the video copy information is changed on the playback side, the playback device S2 The information is changed to “00” and output. On the other hand, in the case of a system in which the video copy information or the like is changed on the recording side, the playback device S2 outputs the information as “01”, and the recording device RC refers to the content of the additional information and outputs this “00”. Change to

  On the other hand, when all of the recording data to be copied is set to copy prohibition, the user is notified that copy is prohibited and reproduction is not performed. If there is a copy-prohibited part in the specified recording data, the reproducing apparatus S2 outputs digital data, while the reproducing apparatus S2 records a control signal Sss indicating that the copy is prohibited in the copy-prohibited part. Supply to device RC. The recording device RC refers to the control signal Sss and does not perform recording in the copy prohibited portion. In this case, the digital video signal Svp and the digital audio signal Sadd may stop the digital output as described above. However, if the recording operation of the recording apparatus can be surely prohibited by the control signal Sss, the supply is continued as it is. There is no problem.

  FIG. 9B shows different types of systems. In this system, the recording apparatus RC performs the process with the copy control initiative. The reproducing apparatus S2 according to the present invention is used on the reproducing side. When the user designates a title to be copied to the reproducing apparatus RC and instructs the copying process, the recording apparatus RC outputs an instruction for checking the copy flag of the designated title to the reproducing apparatus S2 as a control signal Srr. . The reproducing device S2 checks the copy flags CF1 to CF3 corresponding to the title and transmits the result as a control signal Sss to the recording device RC. The recording device RC examines the contents of the supplied copy flag, and if copying is prohibited, notifies the user to that effect and ends the processing. On the other hand, if copying is possible, preparation for recording is performed and the pause state is set, and then an instruction to supply a recording signal to the reproducing apparatus S2 is output as a control signal Srr. When the supply of the recording signal from the reproducing device S2 starts, the recording device RC cancels the pause state and starts recording. When the copy-prohibited portion and the copy-prohibitable portion are mixed in the designated title, the playback device S2 may be configured to stop supplying the record information for the copy-prohibited portion. Alternatively, the recording device RC may be stopped by informing the recording device RC by the control signal Sss that the reproducing device S2 is a recording prohibited portion. In the case of this system, it is necessary that the recording-side apparatus has a function of decoding and processing the information relating to the transmitted copy flag. The recording signals Svp and Sadd and the control signal Sss may be transmitted through a common interface.

  FIG. 10 shows still another system. In this system, a control device CT that controls both the reproduction side and the recording side is provided, and copying is performed under the control of the control device CT. The reproducing apparatus S2 according to the present invention is used on the reproducing side. When the user designates the target title to the control device CT and instructs the start of copying, the control device CT uses the control signal Sct to check the copy flags CF1 to CF3 of the designated title. To instruct. In response to this, the reproducing device S2 checks the copy flag and informs the control device CT of the content as a control signal Sss. The control device CT examines the contents of the received copy flag, and if the title is full-copy prohibited, notifies the user to that effect and ends the processing. On the other hand, if even a part of the data can be copied, a control signal Srr is transmitted to the recording device RC to prepare for recording. Thereby, the recording apparatus CR prepares for recording and stands by in a pause state. Next, the control device CT supplies a reproduction instruction to the reproduction device S2 by the control signal Srr, and instructs the recording device RC to start recording by the control signal Srr. In response to this, the recording device RC releases the pause state and starts recording the video signal and the audio signal supplied from the reproducing device S2. If the copy-prohibited part and the copy-capable part are mixed in the title designated by the user, the control device CT always sets the copy flag CF3 in the PCI data included in the title being played back by the playback device S2. For the copy-prohibited portion, the supply of recording information from the reproducing apparatus S2 may be stopped or the recording operation of the recording apparatus RC may be controlled to stop.

  As described above, according to the present invention, efficient and accurate copy control can be performed in various copy systems.

  Further, whether or not copying is possible is defined for each of a plurality of hierarchies in the hierarchical structure, and efficient copy control is possible.

  Further, when all of the recorded information pieces to be controlled by a certain control information piece are prohibited from being copied, the user is immediately notified that the copy is prohibited. Therefore, the user can immediately know that copying cannot be performed, so that useless copying work or the like is not performed.

  Further, when it is detected that all the recorded information pieces that are controlled by a certain control information piece can be copied, the information to be copied is immediately output. Therefore, the copying operation can be performed quickly.

  In addition, since copying is started immediately when a piece of control information in which all recorded information pieces are copy-prohibited or copy-enabled is found, or the user is notified that copying is impossible, efficient copy control is achieved. It becomes possible.

  In addition, when the copy information detecting unit detects that a part of the plurality of recording information pieces to be controlled by the lowest-order control information piece is copy-protected, only the recording information piece defined as copyable is used. Is output. Therefore, it is possible to reliably copy only the copyable part.

  In addition, it is possible to define whether or not copying is possible for each control information piece hierarchized.

It is a figure which shows the recording format of DVD which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the logical format of DVD which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the recording position and setting example of a copy flag. It is a figure which shows the recording position and setting example of video copy information and audio copy information. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a copy flag and video copy information. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a DVD recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus of DVD which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 4 is an operation flowchart of a copy control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a copy system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the other copy system which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... DVD
2 ... Video Manager 3, 63 ... VTS
10 ... VOB
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Control data 20 ... Cell 30 ... VOB unit 41 ... Navi pack 42 ... Video data 43 ... Audio data 44 ... Sub picture data 60 ... Program 61, 61A, 61B ... PGC
62 ... Title 70 ... VTR
71 ... Memory 72 ... Signal processing unit 73 ... Hard disk device 74 ... FD device 75 ... Controller 76 ... Multiplexer 77 ... Modulator 78 ... Mastering device 80 ... Pickup 81 ... Demodulation correction unit 82, 84 ... Stream switch 83 ... Track buffer 85 ... System buffer 86 ... Demultiplexer 87 ... VBV buffer 88 ... Video decoder 89 ... Sub picture buffer 90 ... Sub picture decoder 92 ... Audio buffer 93 ... Audio decoder 94 ... PCI buffer 95 ... PCI decoder 96 ... Highlight buffer 97 ... Highlight Decoder 98 ... Input unit 99 ... Display 100 ... System controller 101 ... Drive controller 102 ... Spindle motor 103 ... Slider motor S1 ... Recording device S2 ... Reproducing device DK ... optical disk ST ... cue sheet

Claims (7)

A plurality of recording information pieces independent of each other, each of the plurality of recording information pieces including entity information to be reproduced ;
A plurality of individual duplication information pieces that are included in the individual recording information pieces and define whether or not the individual recording information pieces are copy-prohibited; and
A plurality of control information pieces defining a control method for reproducing a plurality of recorded information pieces, comprising a hierarchical structure of a plurality of floors by individual sets,
Each of the plurality of control information pieces includes a set duplication information piece that defines whether or not all or a part of the plurality of recording information pieces to be controlled by each of the plurality of control information pieces is copy-prohibited. Medium. 2. The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the individual duplicate information piece is independently defined by video copy information and audio copy information . A plurality of recording information pieces independent of each other, each of which is included in the plurality of recording information pieces including entity information to be reproduced, and the individual recording information pieces, and the individual recording information pieces are prohibited from being copied. A plurality of individual replication information pieces that define whether or not, and a plurality of control information pieces that define a hierarchical structure of a plurality of floors by individual sets and define a control method for reproducing the plurality of recorded information pieces, And the plurality of control information pieces each include a collective duplication information piece that defines whether or not all or a part of the plurality of recording information pieces to be controlled is copy-prohibited. In the playback device of
  A copy command input means for receiving a copy command and designation of information to be copied;
  Duplicate information detecting means for detecting the collective duplicate information piece related to the information to be duplicated;
  Notification means for notifying the user that copying is prohibited immediately when it is detected by the copying information detection means that all recorded information pieces to be controlled are copying prohibited;
  A reproducing apparatus for an information recording medium, comprising: An output means for immediately outputting the information to be duplicated when all the recorded information pieces to be controlled are detected to be duplicated by the duplicate information detection means. Item 4. The playback device according to Item 3 . When the copy information detecting unit detects that a part of the plurality of record information pieces to be controlled is copy-prohibited, the record information that is specified as replicable by referring to the individual copy information piece 5. A reproducing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising output means for outputting only one piece . A plurality of recording information pieces independent of each other, a first information piece creating means for creating a plurality of recording information pieces each including entity information to be reproduced;
  Second information piece creating means for creating a plurality of individual duplicate information pieces defining whether or not the individual recorded information pieces are prohibited from being duplicated in the recorded information pieces;
  Third information piece creating means for creating a plurality of control information pieces defining a control method for reproducing the plurality of recorded information pieces;
  A hierarchical structure configuring means for configuring the control information pieces into a hierarchical structure of a plurality of floors by assembling the plurality of control information pieces;
  Based on the individual copy information piece, collective copy information for specifying whether or not all or a part of the plurality of recording information pieces to be controlled by the control information piece is copy-prohibited for each control information piece A fourth information piece creating means for creating a piece in the control information piece;
  Forming means for forming, on the information recording medium, the recorded information piece, the individual duplicate information piece included in the recorded information piece, the control information piece, and the collective duplicate information piece contained in the control information piece;
  An information recording apparatus comprising: 7. The information recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the individual duplicate information piece is independently defined by video copy information and audio copy information .

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