MXPA99010389A - Data storage medium, and apparatus and method for reproducing the data from the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A data storage medium having stored thereon an audio sequence including at least one audio stream;at least one video stream;and reproduction control information for controlling reproduction of the at least one audio stream and the at least one video stream. The reproduction control information includes reproduction order information defining the order of at least one video stream, among the at least one video stream stored on the data storage medium, which is to be reproduced in synchronization with the audio sequence.

Description

MEANS OF STORAGE OF DATA AND PATIENT AND METHOD TO REPRODUCE THE DATA OF THE SAME DESCRIPTION Background and field of the invention The present invention relates to a data storage medium having still image data and audio data stored thereon, and to an apparatus and method for reproducing the still image data together with high quality audio data. Conventionally known optical discs whose musical information including audio data or moving image information is recorded to and reproduced from, include compact discs (CDs) and laser discs (LDs). The apparatus for reproducing and recording compact discs and laser discs are conventionally known apparatuses for recording and reproducing the aforesaid information. A CD is an optical disk that has a diameter of 12 cm to store digitally recorded music information using a key encryption technology called linear PCM. CDs have been used as a means to store data for musical applications. An LD is an optical disk that has a diameter of 30 cm to store information of moving images with audio data recorded as an analog signal. LDs have been used as a means to store data for video applications such as movies. Recently, optical discs that have a diameter of approximately 12 cm to store musical information and information of moving images including digitally recorded audio data. In such optical discs, either or both of the information, the musical information and the moving image information are recorded effectively in digital form in the state of being digitally compressed to achieve longer recording times and better quality. Some of such optical discs have a file structure that facilitates the exchange of data with computers and communication devices. To meet the demands of media that have higher quality recording and playback of audio information than CDs, the technology of the video DVD has been developed and put into practice to achieve the reproduction of high-quality audio data from PCM sampling. linear, 96 kHz and 24 bits. However, the standards of the video DVD can not provide high-quality audio reproduction of multi-environmental linear PCM data or the reproduction of high-quality audio data. Consequently, a higher quality technology has been required. However, the amount of high quality audio data is quite large and consequently the required speed of data reproduction is quite high. Therefore, it is difficult to record and reproduce image data together with high-quality audio data. In the case of the reproduction of an audio title, there is a need for the image data to be used as supplementary data to the audio data such as, for example, a so-called envelope image such as lyric poetry and player representation. To achieve this, playback and recording devices that have a greater variety of functions and greater flexibility are required. Functions include reproducing video data synchronously with high-quality audio data, reproducing video data asynchronously from audio data, manipulating video data by key operation, and special effects at the time of video data switching . There is another need for the data to be reproduced as planned by the creator of the title. For example, the initial operation when the disc is inserted should not be determined by the system used, and the direct selection of the audio data should be allowed or prohibited according to the plan of the creator of the title without taking into account the type of player. Conventional optical discs and recording and reproducing apparatus generally have the structure described above and therefore have the problem that it is difficult to record and reproduce high quality digital audio data together with video data. When the transfer speed of the high quality audio data is approximately equal to the reading speed of the optical disc, the video data can not be reproduced together with the audio data by the method of simultaneous transmission of the audio data and the video data used in conventional apparatus. The reason for this is that when the audio data and the video data are transmitted simultaneously, the speed of transfer of the resulting data exceeds the reading speed of the optical disc and therefore the continuous reproduction of such data can not be guaranteed. data. The method, often used in computer applications, to temporarily store audio and video data in an appropriate manner to simultaneously play audio and video data that is recorded in different areas of the optical disc, can not be used. The reason for this is that the sum of the transfer rates of the audio data and the video data needs to be equal to or less than the playback speed of the optical disc to continuously reproduce the data recorded on discs such as CDs. for an hour or more. A "Browsable" playback method is not used to switch the video data based on an instruction by the user at the same time as the audio data is played continuously, or a "SlideShow" playback method for Automatically switch the video data in synchronization with a specified position in the audio data. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a data storage medium having data stored therein includes an audio sequence that includes at least one audio stream / at least one video stream; and reproduction control information for controlling the reproduction of the at least one audio stream and the at least one video stream. The reproduction control information includes reproduction order information that defines the order of the at least one video stream, between the at least one video stream stored in the data storage medium, which will be reproduced in synchronization. with the audio sequence.

In one embodiment of the invention, the playback control information further includes information of the video playback mode that indicates whether it is possible or not to change the order of the at least one video stream to be reproduced in synchronization with the sequence of audio based on the interaction of a user. In one embodiment of the invention, the playback control information further includes information of the video playback mode which indicates whether the reproduction duration of the at least one video stream to be reproduced in synchronization with the sequence of the video is defined. audio or a reproduction period is defined. In one embodiment of the invention, the reproduction control information further includes reproduction order mode information that defines whether the at least one video stream, whose order is defined by the reproduction order information, is reproduced randomly. or sequentially. In one embodiment of the invention, the reproduction order mode information indicates whether the at least one video stream is reproduced randomly while allowing the overlap or at random while overlapping is prohibited. In one embodiment of the invention, the audio sequence corresponds to at least one program, and the at least one video stream stored in the data storage medium is grouped into a program-by-program basis. According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for reproducing information from a data storage medium having stored therein an audio sequence that includes at least one audio stream; at least one video stream; and reproduction control information for controlling the reproduction of the at least one audio stream and the at least one video stream, wherein the reproduction control information includes reproduction order information that defines the order of minus one video stream, between the at least one video stream stored in the data storage medium, which will be reproduced in synchronization with the audio stream, the apparatus includes a read section for reading the audio stream and the at least one video stream stored in the data storage medium; and a playback section for reproducing the at least one video stream in synchronization with the audio sequence in the order defined by the playback order information. In one embodiment of the invention, the playback control information further includes information of the video playback mode that indicates whether it is possible or not to change the order of the at least one video stream to be reproduced in synchronization with the sequence of audio based on the interaction of a user. In one embodiment of the invention, the playback control information further includes information of the video playback mode indicating whether the duration of the reproduction of the at least one video stream to be reproduced in synchronization with the sequence of the video is defined. audio or if a reproduction period is defined. In an embodiment of the invention, the reproduction control information further includes information of the playback order mode which defines whether the at least one video stream, whose order is defined by means of the reproduction order information, is reproduced randomly or sequentially. In one embodiment of the invention, the reproduction order mode information indicates whether the at least one video stream is reproduced randomly while allowing overlap or randomness while prohibiting overlap. In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one video stream to be reproduced in synchronization with the audio sequence is temporarily stored in a buffer located in the playback apparatus before the reproduction of the audio sequence. According to another aspect of the invention, a method for reproducing information from a data storage medium that has stored therein an audio sequence that includes at least one audio stream; at least one video stream; and reproduction control information for controlling the reproduction of the at least one audio stream and the at least one video stream, wherein the reproduction control information includes reproduction order information that defines the order of less a video stream, between the at least one video stream stored in the data storage medium, which will be reproduced in synchronization with the audio stream, the method includes the steps of reading the audio stream and therefore minus one video stream stored in the data storage medium; and reproducing the at least one video stream in synchronization with the audio sequence in the order defined by the information of the playback order. In one embodiment of the invention, the playback control information further includes information of the video playback mode indicating whether or not it is possible to change the order of the at least one video stream to be played in synchronization with the audio sequence. based on the interaction of a user. In one embodiment of the invention, the playback control information further includes information of the video playback mode indicating whether the duration of the reproduction of the at least one video stream to be reproduced in synchronization with the sequence of the video is defined. audio or if a period of -reproduction is defined. In one embodiment of the invention, the reproduction control information further includes reproduction order mode information that defines whether the at least one video stream, whose order is defined by the reproduction order information, is reproduced randomly. or sequentially. In one embodiment of the invention, the reproduction order mode information indicates whether the at least one video stream is randomly reproduced at time allows superposition or randomization while prohibiting superposition. In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one video stream to be reproduced in synchronization with the audio sequence is temporarily stored in a buffer located in the playback apparatus before the reproduction of the audio sequence. According to another aspect of the invention, in a stored data storage medium with a first system stream and a second system stream to be reproduced in mutual synchronization, the first system stream includes reproduction control information indicating the duration at which the first system current is reproduced and the second system current is reproduced at a given duration by information different from that included in the second system current. According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for reproducing a stored data storage medium with a first system stream and a second system stream to be reproduced in mutual synchronization, the first system stream includes reproduction control information which indicates the duration in which the first system current is reproduced, includes a reading section for reading the first system current and the second system current stored in the data storage medium; and a deciphering section for deciphering the first system stream according to the reproduction control information. The second system stream is decrypted according to a control signal provided from outside the decoding section. According to another aspect of the invention, a method for reproducing a stored data storage medium with a first system stream and a second system stream to be reproduced in mutual synchronization, wherein the first system stream includes control information. of information indicating the duration at which the first system stream is reproduced, includes the steps of reading the first system stream and the second system stream stored in the data storage medium; and controlling the duration in which the first system stream is reproduced according to the reproduction control information; controlling the duration at which the second system stream is reproduced according to information different from the information included in the second system stream. Thus, the invention described herein makes possible the advantages of providing (1) an optical disk to achieve the reproduction of high quality digital audio data together with video data in a restricted range of bit rates; (2) an optical disk, and an apparatus and method for reproducing data from the optical disk to achieve switching between a mode in which high-quality digital audio data and video data are reproduced synchronously with each other and one mode in which high-quality digital audio data and video data are reproduced asynchronously with each other and the video data is switched based on time or by instruction from the user; and (3) a reproduction apparatus for allowing a decoder used for a general MPEG2 stream to be used for the reproduction of audio and video data as independent streams and thus achieve the reproduction of high quality digital audio data together with data of video in a restricted range of bit rates at a relatively low cost. These and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in reading and understanding the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings ___ - Figure 1A is an external view of an optical disk in a first example in accordance with the present invention. Figure IB is a cross-sectional view of the optical disc shown in Figure 1A.

Figure 1C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the optical disc shown in Figure 1A. Figure ID shows pits formed in the optical disk in the first example in accordance with the present invention. Figure 2A shows a track structure of the optical disc shown in Figure 1A. Figure 2B shows a sector structure of the optical disc shown in Figure 1A. _ Figure 3 shows a logical structure of the optical disc shown in Figure 1A. Figure 4 shows a data structure of an audio manager. Figure 5 shows a data structure of a set of audio titles. Figure 6 shows an exemplary structure of an audio object (AOB). Figure 7 shows a structure of PGC information data and cell information. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an internal structure of a DVD player, which is a reproduction apparatus. Figure 9 shows an example of PGC forming a title.

Figure 10 shows an example of program information. Figure 11 shows an example of cell information Figure 12A shows a process for reproducing audio data without displaying an immobile image. Fig. 12B shows a process for reproducing audio data without displaying an immobile image. Figure 13A shows a process for reproducing audio data while displaying an immobile image. Figure 13B shows a process for reproducing audio data while displaying an immobile image. Figure 14 shows a conventional process for the reproduction of audio data. Figure 15 shows a schematic flow for the reproduction of a program. Figure 16 shows a schematic flow for the reproduction of an input audio cell. Figure 17 shows a flow for the reproduction of a silent cell.

Figure 18 shows a flow for the reproduction of a continuously reproduced cell. Figure 19 is a DVD player and the peripheral devices connected thereto. Figure 20 shows that a remote control used to operate the DVD player. Figure 21 shows a logical structure of a DVD as a multimedia optical disc in a second example in accordance with the present invention. Figure 22 shows a structure of an audio manager. Figure 23 shows a data structure of an AOB of the DVD in the second example. Figure 24 shows an exemplary structure of the AOB. Figure 25 shows a PGC information data structure of the DVD in the second example. Figure 26 is a block diagram showing an internal structure of a DVD player in the second example. Fig. 27 is a block diagram showing an internal structure of a DVD player that includes a system decoder for AOB and P_VOB. Fig. 28 is a block diagram showing an internal structure of a DVD player including a P_VOB buffer immediately before a AV decoding section. Figure 29 shows the relationship between PGC, audio program, cell, image program, image cell, AOB and ~ P_VOB. Figure 30 shows an example of program information forming a title. Figure 31 shows a P_VOB of the DVD in the second example. Figure 32 shows an exemplary audio program. Figure 33 shows another exemplary audio program. Figure 34 shows the number of packets of silent cells and audio packets of audio data 48 kHz, 16-bit sampling and 2 channels. Figure 35 shows immobile image cell information when the number of immobile image packets is 50. Figures 36A and 36B show methods for reproducing a silent cell and an audio cell. Fig. 37 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for producing one of the programs. Fig. 38 is a flow chart illustrating a method for producing one of the programs.

Fig. 39 is a flow chart illustrating a method for producing one of the programs. Figure 40 shows a visual menu to allow the user to select a title. Figure 41 shows a structure of P_PCI. Figure 42 shows a structure of P_DSI. Figure 43 shows a logical structure of an optical disk in a third example in accordance with the present invention. - Figure 44 shows a data structure of an audio administrator (AMG). Figure 45 shows a data structure of an immobile audio video set (ASVS). Figure 46 shows a data structure of P_V0B. Figure 47 shows a data structure of highlight information. Figure 48 shows a data structure of a set of audio titles (ATS). Figure 49 shows an information data structure of PGC (ATS_PGCI). Figure 50 illustrates a stationary audio video display mode. Fig. 51 shows a data structure of an MPEG system stream.

Figure 52 shows the relationship between P_VOB, ASVU, ATS_PGCI and AOB. Figure 53 shows an example of PGC information. Fig. 54 shows an example of audio program information (ATS_PGI). Figure 55 shows an example of ATS audio motionless video playback information (ATS_ASV_PBI). Figure 56 shows an example of cell information. Figure 57 shows an example of an ASV search indicator. Figure 58 shows an example of general information of ASVU. _ Figure 59A shows the relationship between the duration of audio playback and the duration of still image display in the SlideShow mode. "Figure 59B shows the relationship between the duration of audio playback and the duration of still image display in ^ Browsable mode. Figure 60 illustrates a still video audio display mode. Fig. 61 is a block diagram illustrating an internal structure of a DVD player as a reproduction apparatus.

Fig. 62 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for reproducing PGC information. Fig. 63 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for playing an audio program. Fig. 64 is a flow chart illustrating a method for determining key operation. Fig. 65 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for reproducing audio data. Fig. 66 is a flow chart illustrating a method for reproducing an immobile image. Fig. 67 is a block diagram illustrating an internal structure of another DVD player as a reproduction apparatus. Figure 68 is a block diagram illustrating an internal structure of yet another DVD player as a reproduction apparatus. Figure 69 illustrates the relationship between DLIST and P VOB.

Best method for carrying out the invention Hereinafter, the present invention will be described by means of illustrative examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Example 1) An optical disk will be described in a first example in accordance with the present invention. (1) Physical structure of the optical disk Figure 1A shows an external appearance of a DVD 107, which is a multimedia optical disc. Figure IB shows a cross section of DVD 107 taken along line A-A 'in Figure 1A. Figure 1C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion B shown in Figure IB. As shown in FIG. IB, the DVD 107 is formed by sequentially laminating a first transparent substrate 108, an information layer 109, an adhesive layer 110, a second transparent substrate 111, and a printing layer 112 on which a print will be printed. label in this order. The first transparent substrate 108 and the second transparent substrate 111 are reinforcing substrates formed of the same material. In the example shown in Figure IB, each of these substrates It has a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm. Each of these substrates may have a thickness in the sludge of between about 0.5 mm and about 0.7 mm. The adhesive layer 110 is provided between the information layer 109 and the second transparent substrate 111 for adhering the information layer 109 to the second transparent substrate 111. On the face of the information layer 109 in contact with the first transparent substrate 108 is formed a reflective film (not shown) formed of a thin metallic film or something similar. Using a molding technique, a high density of convex and concave pits is formed in the reflective layer. Figure ID shows the shapes of holes formed in the reflective film. In the example shown in Figure ID, each hole has a length of 0.4 μm to 2.13 μ. A spiral track is formed on the DVD 107. The holes are formed along the spiral track so as to be at a distance of 0.74 μm from the spiral track in a radial direction of the DVD 107. Thus, a set of holes they are formed along the spiral track When a light beam 113 is directed towards the DVD 107, a light spot 114 is formed on the information layer 109 as shown in Figure 1C. The information stored on the DVD 107 is detected as a variation in the reflectance of the portion of the information layer 119 which is radiated by the light spot 114. The diameter of the light spot 114 of the DVD 107 is approximately 1. /1.6 times the diameter of a light spot on a CD because the numerical aperture (NA) of a lens for DVDs is larger than the numerical aperture of a lens for CDs and because of the wavelength? of a beam of light for DVDs is shorter than the wavelength? of a beam of light for CDs. - A DVD that has the physical structure described above can store approximately 4.7 Gbytes of information on one side. A storage capacity of approximately 4.7 Gbytes is almost 8 times the storage capacity of a conventional CD. This large storage capacity of DVDs can greatly improve the quality of mobile images and also significantly extend the period of reproduction of moving images. Taking into consideration that the reproducible period of a conventional CD video is 74 minutes, a DVD achieves a reproducible period of 2 hours or more. The fundamental technology that achieves such a large storage capacity is based on reducing the diameter of the spot d of a light beam. The diameter of the spot d is calculated from the formula: spot diameter d = laser wavelength? / NA numerical aperture of the objective lens. Consequently, the diameter of the d spot can be minimized by decreasing the laser wavelength? and increasing the NA numerical aperture of the objective lens. It should be noted, however, that increasing the NA numerical aperture of the objective lens may produce comma aberration due to the relative inclination of the optical axis of the light beam with respect to the face of the disk (i.e., "tilt"). In the case of DVDs, the aberration is reduced by reducing the thickness of a transparent substrate, however, reducing the thickness of a transparent substrate can cause another problem of low mechanical strength of the disc. The transparent substrate is reinforced by bonding another substrate to the transparent substrate, overcoming the problems associated with the mechanical strength of the disc A red semiconductor laser having a short wavelength of 650 nm and a target lens having a large numerical aperture (NA) of approximately 0.6 mm are used to read the information stored on a DVD using a thin transparent substrate that has an approximate thickness 0.6 mm apart from the aforementioned laser and objective lens, it is possible to store approximately 4.7 Gbytes of information on one side of an optical disc having a diameter of 120 mm. Figure 2A schematically illustrates a spiral track 20 formed from the inner periphery towards the outer periphery of the information layer 109 of the DVD 107 (figure 1A). The spiral track 20 is divided into prescribed units referred to as sectors. In Figure 2A, the respective sectors are indicated by SI, S2, ..., S99, and S100. The information stored on the DVD 107 is read on a sector by sector basis. Figure 2B shows an internal structure of a sector, where the sector includes a sector header region 21, user data region 22, and an error correction code storage region 23. The sector header region 21 stores a sector address to identify the sector and an error detection code for it. Based on these sector addresses, a disk reproduction apparatus determines one of a plurality of sectors from which the information should be read. The user data region 22 stores a data string of 2 Kbytes in length. The error correction code storage region 23 stores error correction codes for the sector header region 21 and the user data region 22 included in the same sector. A disk reproduction apparatus performs error detection using the error correction codes when reading data from the user's data region 22 and performs error correction based on the error detection results, thus ensuring the Reliability of reading the data. (2) Optical disk optical structure Figure 3 shows a logical structure of the DVD 107 (Figure 1A). As shown in Figure 3, the DVD region 107 is divided into an input region 31, a volume region 32, and an output region 33. These regions can be identified by identification information included in the sector addresses of physical sectors. The physical sectors are placed in ascending order based on their sector addresses. In the input region 31, the data is stored to stabilize the operation of a reproduction apparatus at the beginning of the reading, for example. The non-significant data is stored in the output region 33. The output region 33 is used to inform the disc playback apparatus of the termination of the reproduction. The volume region 32 stores digital data corresponding to an application. The physical sectors included in the volume region 32 are handled as logical blocks. The logical blocks are identified by sequential numbers (logical block numbers) respectively assigned to the physical sectors after the first physical sector (designated as the 0th physical sector) in the region of volume 32. As shown in Figure 3, the volume region 32 is subdivided into a volume file handling region 32a and an audio zone region 32c. The volume file management region 32a stores file system management information to handle a plurality of logical blocks as files in accordance with IS013346. The file system management information is information indicating the correspondence between the name of each of the plurality of files and the addresses of the logical blocks occupied by that file. A disk reproduction apparatus achieves file-to-file access to the optical disk based on the file system management information. Specifically, the disk reproduction apparatus refers to the file system management information to obtain the addresses of the logical blocks corresponding to a given file name, and to access the logical blocks based on these addresses. As a result, the digital data contained in a desired file can be read. An audio zone region 32c stores an audio driver 900 and one or more audio title sets 800. The audio title set 800 contains a plurality of pieces of audio data and driving information to handle the order of audio. reproduction of the plurality of pieces of audio data. A set of 800 audio titles has a data structure that allows the handling of audio data in units that are referred to as audio titles. Typically, an audio title corresponds to a music album that contains one or more melodies. (3) Data structure of the audio zone region 32c.

The audio zone region 32c stores an audio handler 900 and one or more sets of audio titles 800. (3.1) Data structure of the 800 audio title set Figure 5 shows a data structure of a set of audio titles 800. The set of audio titles 800 includes a plurality of audio objects (hereinafter, referred to as * Abobes ") 802, set handling information of audio titles (ATSI) 801 to handle the playback order of the plurality of AOBs 802, and backup management information of audio titles (ATSI_BUP) 804 which are backup data of the set handling information. audio titles 801. In the following description, a "set of audio titles" will generally be referred to as a ", ATS". (3.1.1) Data structure of the AOB 802 The AOB 802 is packaged in 2 Kbytes. The AOB 802 stores data in the LPCM format, AC3 format, DTS format or other compression formats. In the case of the LPCM format, the sample bit is 16, 20, or 24 bits, with a sampling frequency of 48 kHz, 96 kHz, 192 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 88.2 kHz, or 176.4 kHz. (3.1.2) Data structure of audio title set management information 801 The audio title set handling information (ATSI) 801 includes information for managing the playback order of the AOBs 802. The playback order of the AOBs 802 is designated by means of a program chain (PGC), as in the case of video objects (VOBs). Different PGCs can define different playback commands of AOBs 802. As shown in FIG. 5, the audio title set management information (ATSI) 801 includes an ATS (ATSIJYLAT) 811 handling table and a table of contents. PGC management information (ATS PGCIT) 812. The ATS management table 811 serves as the header information of the audio title set management information 801. The ATS 811 handling table includes an indicator indicating a region. wherein each AOB 802 is stored, an indicator indicating a region in which the management information table of PGC 812 is stored, and attribute information on each AOB 802. In the case where an immobile image is stored in the DVD 107 (Figure 1A), the ATS management table 811 also includes attribute information and the like for the still image.

The PGC management information table (ATS_PGCIT) 812 includes information of management table of ATS PGC (ATS_PGCITI) 831, a plurality of PGC ATS information search indicators (ATS_PGCI_SRPs) 832, and a plurality of PGC 833 information units (ATS_PGCI). The ATS PGC information search indicators ( ATS_PGCI_SRPsJ 832 are indices for a plurality of PGCs stored in the management information table of PGC 812 and designate the PGC information to be executed first in a base title to title Each of the PGC information units describes positions in the PGC. optical disc 107 where one or more audio objects and their playback order are recorded.The reproduction of the same audio object can be described by means of different PGC information.Specifically, each PGC information unit includes? general PGC information of ATS (ATS_PGC_GI) "," ATS program information table (ATS_PGIT) ", and" Audio cell reproduction information table (ATS_C_PBIT). "Figure 7 shows a data structure of each PGC information unit. As shown in figure 7,? General information of ATS PGC (ATS_PGC_GI) "includes the number of programs and the number of cells included in the PGC information, the PGC playback period, and information on indicators to the ATS program information table (ATS_PGIT) ) "and to the * audio cell playback information table (ATS_C_PBIT)." The 'ATS program information table (ATS_PGIT) "includes program physical assignment information" which indicates whether or not the AOB of each program and the AOB of the previous program are recorded in physically discontinuous positions on the optical disc, program time attribute information "indicating whether or not the AOB time information is continuous with the previous AOB time information or not, X program start cell number "indicating the first cell number forming the program, * program still image flag" indicating whether the program includes a still image or not, reproduction start audio cell time "indicating the first time information of the first audio cell included in the program," program total playing time "indicating the period of the program, and "audio pause period" that indicates the silent period until the program's audio cell starts playing. The audio cell reproduction information table (ATS C PBIT) "stores cell information that forms the AOB to be reproduced, Specifically, the ATS cell reproduction information table" includes * cell index number "that indicates the order of • Cells included in the program, Cell type "that indicates 5 the attribute of the cell (that is, if the cell is a still image cell, a silent cell or an audio cell), N? Cell start address "indicating the starting address of the cell in the form of a relative address with respect to the first AOB packet of the ATS that includes the cell, and N address of cell termination "indicating the final address of the cell in the same way, Figure 6 shows an exemplary structure of the AOB.The AOB is part of an MPEG2 stream and includes a still image cell including a stationary image pack, a silent cell that includes an audio packet that substantially includes silent audio data, and an audio cell that includes an audio packet of audio data that forms a melody. The AOB includes one or more audio cells and can not include a still image cell or a silent cell. The immobile image cells are never continuous with each other and the silent cells are never continuous with each other. An immobile image cell is always followed by a silent cell or an audio cell. A silent cell is always followed by an audio cell. In the example shown in Figure 6, the audio cells and the silent cells exist and are physically continuous. The time information is also continuous; that is, the X? Physical allocation information of the program "has a value representing 'continues", and the * program time attribute information "also has a value that represents continues". In Figure 6, the line passing through points B, C, E, F and G represents a change in the value of the time information (ie, PTS) of the AOB. Point A represents a value of the PTS of the immobile image cell. Point B represents a value of the first PTS of a silent cell. Point C represents a value of the first PTS of an audio cell. Thus, the PTS of a silent cell is continuous for the PTS of an audio cell, and there are no intermediate spaces of lower data flow, as referred to with respect to the MPEG2 stream, between the silent cell and the audio cell. Point B, where the PTS value of the silent cell is greater than the value of the PTS of the immobile image cell, represents that a still image in the still image cell is displayed before the reproduction of the image begins. silent cell. The PTS of the next immobile image cell is represented by point D, and the PTS of the next silent cell is represented by point E. In the case where the PTS of the immobile image cell and the PTS of the silent cell have an equal value, the silent cell reproduction starts simultaneously when the still image is displayed. The difference between the first PTS of the next audio cell at point F and the final PTS of the audio cell at point D is the audio pause period. "Since the gap between the PTSs needs to be 0.7 seconds or less as specified by MPEG2, the difference in point B between the first PTS of the silent cell and the PTS of the immobile image cell, and the difference in the D point between the first PTS of the immobile image cell and The final PTS of the audio cell needs to meet such a condition Figure 9 shows an exemplary PGC that forms a title The example shown in Figure 9 includes five programs Programs # 1 and # 2 correspond to AOB # 1, and Programs # 3, # 4, and # 5 correspond to AOB # 2, In the storage medium, AOB # 1 is recorded after AOB # 2, Programs # 1 and # 2 include a still image cell and a silent cell, and program # 2 includes two audio cells, programs # 3 and # 4 incl. they only use one silent cell, and program # 5 includes only one audio cell.

In the case where each of all the audio cells has a reproduction period of 60 seconds (5,400,000 in PTS), each of all the silent cells has a reproduction period of 1 second (90,000 in PTS), and the PTS of the still image cell has the same value as that of the first PTS of the silent cell, the program information can be described as shown in Figure 10. Under the conditions that the size of the still image data is approximately 1.88 Mbits and audio data is 48 kHz, 16 bit sampling with 2 channels, the number of stationary image packets is 112, the number of silent cell packets is 96, and the number of audio cell packets is 5760 as shown in Figure 11. The set of audio titles has been described. Then, with reference to Figure 4, the audio handler will be described. (3.2) Data structure of audio manager 900 The audio driver 900 is information for controlling the playback that must be referred to first to perform the audio-oriented playback of the information on the optical disc by means of a playback apparatus.

Figure 4 shows a data structure of the audio driver 900. Does the audio driver 900 include? audio handler information (AMGI) ", * V0B for the audio handler menu (AMGM_VOBS)", and audio handler information backup (AMGI_BUP). "The audio handler information (AMGI)" includes * audio handler information management table (AMGI_MAT) "which includes attribute information and indicator information," audio title management information "indicating the number of audio titles and the like, ?? audio title search indicator (ATT_SRP) "indicating search information in the audio titles, and PGC handling information table of audio handler menu (AMGM_PGCI_UT)" indicating the PGC information for the audio menu audio manager. Each * audio title search indicator (ATT_SRP) "includes" type of audio title "that indicate the type of each title, * number of programs in the titles" indicating the number of programs included in the titles, 'period title reproduction "indicating the period of reproduction of the titles," ATS number "indicating the ATS set number to which each title belongs," ATS title number "indicating the title number of each title "in the ATS, and? ATS address "indicating the address of the ATS to which each title belongs The audio region region and the DVD have been described as multimedia optical disc Next, a reproduction apparatus according to the present invention will be described. , an external appearance of a DVD player, which is a reproduction apparatus for multimedia optical discs, will be described, Figure 19 shows external appearances of a DVD player 1, a television monitor 2 and a remote control 91. The player The DVD player 1 has an opening on a front face of a player chassis, and includes a drive mechanism for loading an optical disc in the depth direction of the opening. remote control reception 92 having a light receiving element for the infrared rays emitted by the remote control 91. When an operator uses a remote control with held in your hand, the remote control receiving section 92 sends an interrupt signal indicating that a key signal has been received. Audio and video output terminals are provided on the back side of the DVD player 1. A video signal reproduced from the DVD can be delivered to the large television monitor _ 2 for home use by connecting an AV cable to the audio and video output terminals. Thus, the operator can enjoy the video reproduced from the DVD on a large television of, for example, 33 inches or 35 inches. As can be seen from the above description, the DVD player 1 in this example is not used in the state of being connected to a personal computer but is used with the television monitor 2 as an electronic device to be used at home. The remote control 91 includes a small keyboard spring loaded on a surface of a cover thereof, and delivers a code corresponding to a key pressed by infrared rays. Figure 20 shows an operation panel of the remote control 91. The "ENERGY" key on the operation panel is for setting the DVD player 1 on "ON" or "OFF". The "MENU" key is used to recover the volume menu of the optical disc during program chain playback. Ten keys are used to, for example, skip the movie or select musical tunes. Use cursor keys up, down, left and right to select items. The "INTRO" key is used to confirm an item selected by the cursor. When the cursor moves over the items by means of the up, down, left and right keys, the item on which the cursor is placed is displayed with a selected color of the item color information. management information package. When the item is confirmed by the "ENTER" key, the item is displayed with a confirmation color. In addition, there are keys which are common to other AV devices such as, for example, the "PLAY", "STOP", "PAUSE", "FORWARD" and "REWIND" keys. Next, the structure of the DVD player, which is an apparatus for reproducing multimedia optical discs, will be described. Figure 8 is a block diagram of an internal structure of a DVD player 70. The DVD player 70 includes a controller mechanism 81, an optical pickup 82, a mechanism control section 83, a signal processing section 84. , a decryption section of AV 85, a remote control receiving section 92 and a system control section 93. The pulse mechanism 81 includes a table on which an optical disk and an arrow motor are placed to hold and rotate the optical disk that is fixed on the table. The table is structured to be moved in and out of the chassis by means of an ejection mechanism, not shown. When the table is outside the chassis, the operator places an optical disk on the table. When the optical disk is placed on the board and the board is moved back into the chassis, the optical disk is loaded into the DVD player 70. The mechanism control section 83 controls a mechanical system including the motor to drive the disk and the disk collector 82 to read a signal recorded on the disk. Specifically, the mechanism control section 83 adjusts the speed of the motor according to the position of the track indicated by the system control section 93. The mechanism control section 83 also controls an actuator of the optical pickup 82 to move the optical pickup 82. When an exact track is detected by the servo controller, the control section "of mechanism 83 instructs the optical disk to wait until a desired physical sector in the rotating optical disk reaches the position of optical pickup 82. Then signals are continuously read from the desired position, signal processing section 84 processes the signal read from optical sensor 82 with, for example, amplification, waveform configuration, binarization, demodulation, and error correction for convert the signal into a stream of digital data, and then store the resulting stream of digital data in a buffer a in the system control section 93 (described below) on a base logic block to logic block. The decryption section of AV 85 processes digital data, which is a VOB input, in a prescribed way to convert the data into a video signal or an audio signal. Specifically, the decryption section of AV 85 includes a system decoder 86, a video decoder 87 and an audio decoder 88. The system decoder 86 receives the digital data stream transferred from the buffer in a block block logic basis logical (that is, on a packet-to-packet basis) and distinguishes a current ID and an undercurrent ID in the header of each packet, thereby classifying the data into a packet of moving image data, a packet of audio data and a package of driving information. At this point, the moving image data packet is delivered to the video decoder 87. With respect to the audio data packet, only one packet of audio data having a designated current number is delivered to the audio decoder 88. according to an instruction command to decrypt stream from the system control section 93. The handling information packet is delivered to the system control section 93. The moving image data packet fed to the video decoder 87 extends by the prescribed format defined by the MPEG2 format and delivered as digital video data. Then, the digital video data is converted into a video signal of the NTSC format and output externally. The audio data feed to the audio decoder 88 is decrypted in the LPCM or AC3 format according to the type of the data, converted D / A, and then delivered externally as an audio signal. The audio decoder 88 processes the digital data which is an input AOB, in a prescribed manner according to the type of data, converts the data into an audio signal, and externally delivers the data. The system control section 93 includes an integrated working memory and CPU as a whole and performs overall control of the DVD player 70. The reproduction apparatus according to the present invention operates, for example, in the following manner. When a DVD is loaded in the DVD player 70, the system control section 93 detects that a DVD has been loaded from the optical sensor or something similar.

Then, the system control section 93 controls the mechanism control section 83 and the signal processing section 84, whereby the rotation of the DVD is controlled so as to cause the optical pickup 82 to search for the input region. Thus, the DVD player 70 is initialized and starts playback. To begin playback, the system control section 93 determines whether the DVD player 70 is in a video-oriented playback mode, by means of a playback mode determination section. When it is determined that the DVD player 70 is in the video-oriented playback mode, the system control section 93 reads the video handler based on the information that is read from the volume file handling region. The system control section 93 refers to the PGC management information table for the video handler menu to calculate the recording address of the PGC for the volume menu. The resulting PGC is reproduced and retained inside. When the PGC for the volume menu is retained within, the system control section 93 refers to the PGC information retained to calculate the video object (VOB) to be reproduced and the recording address of the VOB on the optical disk . When the VOB to be reproduced is determined, the system control section 93 delivers a control signal to the mechanism control section 83 and the signal processing section 84 so as to recover the determined VOB of the DVD for playback. Thus, the video menu is displayed from which the user can select the title to be played. The user sees the menu and selects and confirms the title in which he is interested (a) by designating the item number in the menu using the remote control. Then, the system control section 93 receives the designation of the item number in the menu from the remote control and refers to the handling information package included in the VOB of the video menu being played, the VOB being powered from the deciphering section of AV 85, to execute a control order corresponding to the designated number. The control order is "Playtitle" #n or something similar, and the title number to be reproduced is designated by "n". As an execution operation by "Playtitle", the system control section 93 refers to the title search indicator table, which is a part of the audio handler, to determine the set of audio titles (ATS) to the which belongs the designated title and the title number in the ATS. When the ATS is confirmed, the system control section 93 issues a control signal to the mechanism control section 83 and the signal processing section 84 to reproduce the ATS handling information of the confirmed set of titles and retrieves the ATS title search indicator table, which is a part of the ATS management information, to the 93 system control section. When the title search indicator table is retrieved, the system control section 93 refers to the table for determining the PGC information to initiate the reproduction of the title to be reproduced.When the PGC information is determined, the system control section 93 delivers a control signal to the mechanism control section 83 and to the signal processing section 84 to reproduce the determined PGC information and retain the information in the internal buffer for the PGC information. PGC retention is retained, the system control section 93 refers to the retained PGC information to determine the audio object (AOB) to be reproduced and its recording address. Then, the AOB is reproduced by means of a control signal delivered to the mechanism control section 83 and to the signal processing section 84 from the system control section 93. The system control section 93 sequentially determines the to be reproduced and controls its reproduction according to the PGC information retained. When the final AOB playback indicated by the PGC information is completed, the system control section 93 searches the PGC information of the following title and reproduces the abobes described in the PGC information in the same way. Thus, all the titles are reproduced and the operation stops. According to the specific layout of the DVD player or DVD, only one title can be played before the operation is stopped, or a menu can be displayed after the completion of one or more titles. Next, a method for reproducing an immobile image cell, a silent cell and an audio cell will be described in detail. Figure 14 shows a conventional method for reproducing the audio cell. Conventionally, in order to reproduce an MPEG2 stream, the header end of the audio cell packet is searched first and the data reading is started. However, the audio output does not start immediately but "starts after a waiting period that is predetermined in each playback device." The waiting period includes a period required to determine the PTS of the audio data, a period required to determine what data is correct, and a period required for the muting circuit in an analog output section to be changed from a mute state to a non-mute state.Thus, the waiting period varies according to the type of reproduction apparatus, especially when the reproduction section and the decoder are placed in separate chassis, the waiting period tends to be extended due to determination in the PTS and the determination in the accuracy of the audio data is made separately. Figures 12A and 12B show methods for reproducing only audio data without displaying an immobile image even though the still image is included.12A shows the m particularly in the case where reproduction is performed from the end of header data, and Figure 12B shows the method in the case where reproduction is performed in continuation from the previous cell. In the case where the reproduction is performed from the header end of the data by selecting a title or program from the menu or something similar through jump, the header packet of the silent cell is skipped with reference to the start address of the cell information. At this point, the STC, which is the decipher's reference time, is set with the SCR of the silent cell's header packet. Subsequently, the jump and jump of data corresponding to a prescribed waiting period with reference to the PTS of the silent cell is performed, and the silent cell is reproduced for the waiting period. The audio output is prepared during this period. At this point, the next title number is not displayed on the display device of the reproduction apparatus, and the reproduction period passage is not updated. In the case where the start of the audio output and the display of the title number and the updating of the reproduction period passage are made simultaneously when the first PTS of the input cell is detected, the. The playback apparatus behaves as if the audio data were delivered simultaneously with the jump termination such as menu selection. In the case where the reproduction is done in continuation from the previous cell, an immobile image packet is skipped and a silent cell is skipped or skipped except for the waiting period. At this point, counting continuously the STC, which is reference for system time, the interval between the termination of the audio output by the previous cell and the start of the audio output by the next cell equals the period of audio pause. The count of the STC is continued when the physical allocation information and the time attribute information both have a value indicating "continuous". When any of them indicates "does not continue", the same process as in the menu jump is performed, and thus the STC is reset at the head end of the silent cell packet. Even in the case where there is no immobile image cell, the method is substantially the same as that described above: In the case where there is no silent cell and the reproduction starts from the header end of the data, the operation is similar to the conventional operation shown in Figure 14. In the case where the reproduction is performed in continuation from the previous cell, the operation is as follows. When the time attribute information indicates "continuous", the audio cell is decrypted continuously from the previous cell and the audio data is delivered. When the time attribute information indicates "not continuous", the operation is equal to the conventional operation shown in Figure 14 as in the case where the reproduction is performed from the header end of the data. Figures 13A and 13B show methods for reproducing the audio data while displaying an immobile image. Figure 13A shows the method in the case where reproduction is performed from the header end of the data, and Figure 13B shows the method in the. case where the reproduction is made in continuation from the previous cell.

In the case where the reproduction is performed from the header end of the data or by selecting a title or program from the menu or something similar by jumping, the immobile image cell packet is searched from the cell information. Thus, the immobile image cell is read and decrypted. At this point, the STC, which is the decoder reference time, is established with the SCR of the header packet of the still image cell. Then, the header packet of the silent cell is read. When an STC reaches an STC of the immobile image cell, the still image is displayed or displayed. The rest of the operation is the same as the operation when there is no still image. The display of the still image can be during the processing of the silent cell, simultaneously with the start of the output of the audio cell, or after the start of the output of the audio cell in the range allowed by the MPEG2 format. In the case where the reproduction is carried out in continuation from the previous cell, the immobile image cell is read and decrypted when an immobile image packet is detected. Then, the silent cell is processed. Whether the STC is set or not depends on the time attribute information as in the case where there is no immobile image cell. The rest of the operation is the same as the operation when no still image is displayed, except that the still image is displayed when the STC becomes a PTS of the still image cell and the STC is set with the SCR of the heading package of the still image cell. Figures 15 to 18 are flow charts illustrating each a program. In the case where the physical allocation information of the program information shows "continuous" and the program previously reproduced has a program number which is smaller by one than the program number of the program to be reproduced now, the search of The read head for the DVD is not specifically necessary. When the time attribute information indicates "continuous" and the reproduction is made in continuation from the previous program, the STC, which is the reference time for the decoder, does not need to be reset. The determination of whether the cell is a stationary image cell or can not be made by using the cell type in the cell information or by using a still image flag of the program information. The determination of whether the cell is a silent cell or is not made by means of the cell type in the cell information. The determination that the cell is the final cell is made by comparing the address of cell information termination and the address read from the data on the DVD. The termination of the program reproduction can be determined by means of the cell index of the cell information that returns to zero, the cell type indicating a still image cell or a silent cell, or the cell start number of the cell. following program in the program information. The silent cell hopping is performed while detecting the PTS when the silent cell is decrypted or by obtaining the number of packets to be hopped based on the data rate. As described above, in the first example according to the present invention, the program reproduction information including the time of the start and the reproduction period of each audio data based on the start time of reproduction of the header audio data in an MPEG2 stream is recorded in the driving region as a part of the playback control information. Accordingly, a multimedia information storage means can be provided which achieves the reproduction of high quality digital audio data and video data aggregated thereto at a restricted bit rate. The interval between the reproduced audio data may be uniform even in inexpensive reproduction apparatuses or reproduction apparatuses that have no function for reproducing video data. . Thus, the creators of titles can prepare data easily. . (Example 2) An optical disk, an apparatus and a method for reproducing information from the optical disk in a second example in accordance with the present invention will be described. Identical elements previously discussed in the first example belong to identical reference numbers and their descriptions will be omitted. (1) Physical structure of the optical disk The physical structure of the optical disc is identical to that described in the first example and therefore its description will be omitted. (2) Optical disk optical structure The logical structure of the optical disk is identical to that described in the first example and therefore its description will be omitted. (3) Data structure of the audio zone region 32c The audio zone region 32c stores an audio handler 900 and one or more sets of audio titles 800 as in the first example. The data structure of the audio driver 900 and the data structure of the audio title sets 800 are different from those in the first example. (3.1) Data structure of the 800 audio title set Figure 23 shows a data structure of the set of audio titles 800 in the second example. The set of audio titles 800 includes a plurality of audio objects (hereinafter, referred to as "abobes") 802, a plurality of video image objects (hereinafter, referred to as "P_V0Bs" 1002), the audio title set management (ATSI) information 801 to handle the reproduction order of the plurality of abobes 802 and the plurality of P_V0Bs 1002, and backup of audio title set handling information (ATSI_BUP) 804 they are backup data of the audio title management information 801. In the following description, a "set of audio titles" will generally be referred to as an "ATS." (3.1.1) Data structure of the AOB 802 The data structure of the AOB 802 of the optical disk is identical to that described in the first example and therefore its description will be omitted. (3.1.2) Data structure of P VOB 1002 Figure 31 shows a data structure of P_V0B 1002. P_V0B 1002 includes an image NV packet (P_NV_PCK) 1003, a plurality of video packets (V_PCK) 1004, and a plurality of sub picture packages (SP_PCK) 1005. Unlike in the case of video DVDs, the P_V0B 1002 includes an image video object unit (P_V0BU), and only one image NV package (P_NV_PCK) 1003 is included. The subpicture packages (SP_PCK) 1005 each may have a plurality of sub-picture streams and an identification code as in the case of the video DVD. The subpicture packets (SP_PCK) 1005 may be omitted.

The P_VOB 1002 does not include audio data, unlike the case of DVD video. The image NV packet (P_NV_PCK) 1003 includes a P_PCI packet and a P_DSI packet in a similar manner as a PCI packet and a video DVD P_DSI packet. As shown in Figure 41, the P_PCI includes P_VOBU to which the P_PCI belongs (ie, attribute information, play time information, highlight information and similar information of P_VOB), as in the case of video DVDs, but it does not include address information. As shown in Figure 42, the P_DSI includes a SCR of the NV_PCK to which the P_DSI belongs, and a termination address of the P_V0BU, ie, P_V0B to which the P_DSI belongs, and address information of a packet that includes the data end of the first image I of the video package (P_PCK) as in the case of video DVD, but does not include other information. (3.1.3) Data structure of audio title set management information 801 Audio title set (ATSI) management information 801 includes information to handle the reproduction order of abobes 802 and P_V0B 1002 .

The order of reproduction of the abobes 802 is designated by means of a program chain (PGC), as in the case of video objects (VOBs). The data structure of the audio title set handling information 801 is identical to that shown in Figure 5 except for the data structure of the PGC 833 information. Each of the PGC information units describes positions in the optical disc where one or more audio objects are recorded and their order of reproduction. The reproduction of the same audio object can be described by means of a different PGC information unit. Specifically, the PGC information includes "general ATS PGC information (ATS_PGC_GI)", "ATS program information table (ATS_PGIT)," audio cell reproduction information table (ATS_C_PBIT) "," information table of ATS image program (ATS_PPGIT) ", and" ATS image cell reproduction information table (ATS_PC_PBIT). "_ Figure 25 shows a data structure of PGC information as shown in the figure 25, the "general ATS PGC information (ATS_PGC_GI)" includes the number of image programs, the number of audio programs and the number of cells included in the PGC information; the period of reproduction of the PGC; and information about indicators to an image program playback mode, the image program reproduction control, the "ATS program information table (ATS_PGIT", the "audio cell reproduction information table" (ATS_C_PBIT) "," ATS image program information table (ATS_PPGIT "), and the" ATS image cell reproduction information table (ATS_PC_PBIT). "The" ATS program information table (ATS_PGIT) "includes a plurality of "audio program information (ATS_PGI)" units included in the PGC Each of the plurality of "audio program information (ATS_PGI)" units includes "audio program physical assignment information" that indicates whether or not the AOB of each program and the AOB of the previous program are recorded in physically discontinuous positions on the optical disc, "audio program time attribute information" indicating whether the AOB time information is continuous ao not with the time information of the previous AOB, "audio program start cell number" indicating the first cell number forming the audio program, "playback start audio cell time" indicating the first time information of the first audio cell included in the audio program, "total audio program playing period" indicating the playing time of the audio program, and "audio pause period" indicating the period Silent until you start playing the audio cell of the audio program. The "audio cell reproduction information table (ATS_C_PBIT)" stores cell information that forms the AOB to be reproduced as in the first example. The "ATS image program information table (ATS_PPGIT)" includes a plurality of "ATS image program information" units. Each ATS image program information unit includes a used SP number (PPG_SP_STN) that describes a current number of a sub-picture used in the picture program, an initial button number (PPG_FOSL) that indicates the number of a button which is in the highlight information used in the image program and is selected at an initial stage, an image transition mode (PPG_T_mode) indicating a transition mode of a still image in the program, an image identification code stationary (PPG_ISRC_SPCT) indicating an ISRC code of the motionless image in the program, an image cell start PTS (PC_S_PTM) indicating a PTS of a first pack of the program image cell, image program reproduction period (ATS_PPG_PB_TM) which is a program playing period, a start section transition period (PPG TI TM) ) indicating the transition period at the time of beginning the reproduction of the motionless image of the program, and a transition period of termination section indicating the transition period at the time of termination of the still image of the program. In this example, the modes of image transition, "non-transition", "fading from black", "fading in black", "cross-fading", and "sweeping in several directions" are assumed. Each of the programs includes a cell. Since each cell has an independent P_V0B, the reproduction period of the image program is a period of 1 frame. The "ATS image cell reproduction information table (ATS_PC_PBIT)" includes a stationary cell period (P_C_Still_im) that indicates a continuous period during which the image cell is displayed, a start address (P_C_FVOBU_SA) of a cell of the image program, and a termination address (P_C_LVOBU_SA) indicating an address of the final package of the cell. Figure 24 shows an exemplary structure of the AOB. The AOB is a part of an MPEG2 stream and includes a silent cell that includes an audio packet that includes substantially silent audio data and an audio cell that includes an audio packet of audio data that forms a melody. The AOB includes an o. more audio cells and may not include a silent cell. A silent cell is never followed by another silent cell and is always followed by an audio cell. In the example shown in Figure 24, the audio cells and the silent cells exist and are physically continuous. The time information is also continuous; that is, the "audio program physical assignment information" has a value that represents "continuous", and the "audio program time attribute information" also has a value that represents "continuous". In Figure 24, the line passing through points B, C, E, F and G represents a change in the value of the time information (ie, PTS) of the AOB. Point B represents a value of the first PTS of a silent cell. Point C represents a value of the first PTS of an audio cell. Thus, the PTS of a silent cell is continuous for the PTS of an audio cell, and there are no intermediate spaces of lower data flow, as referred to with respect to the MPEG2 stream, between the silent cell and the audio cell. Similarly, the PTS of the next silent cell is represented by point E. The difference between the first PTS of the next audio cell at point F and the final PTS of the audio cell at point D is a "audio pause period". Since the PTSs need to be continuous in a stream as specified by MPEG2, the change in the PTS is linear as shown in Figure 24. With reference to Figures 31, 41 and 42, we will describe in detail the object of image video (P_VOB). As described above, the header packet of P_VOB 1002 is an image NV packet (P_NV_PCK) 1003 which includes a packet of P_PCT and a packet of P_DSI having time information, position information and highlight information. Only one image NV package (P_NV_PCK) 1003 always exists at its header end. The NV image package (P_NV_PCK) 1003 is followed by video packets (V_PCK) 1004 which _ are MPEG2 video packets for storing video data and sub picture packets (SP_PCK) 1005 to divide currents of subpictures that are allowed to be included up to 32 streams and store the sub-picture streams divided. In Fig. 31, 2 sub-picture streams 1005 (SP # 1 and SP # 2) are included and each sub-picture stream is divided into 2 packets. In figure 31, the video packets (V_PCK) 1004 precede the subpicture packets (SP_PCK) 1005, but there is no limitation with respect to the order as long as the MPEG2 standards are met. Although termination codes such as program ciphers or the like are not shown in Figure 31, such termination codes may be included as long as the MPEG2 current requirements are met. Such termination codes do not need to be included since the P_VOB 1002 is a part of the program stream MPEG2. Figure 41 shows a structure of the information of P_PCI included in the packet of P_PCI. The information of P_PCI includes general information of P_PCI, highlight information of P_PCI, and recording information of P_PCI. The general information of P_PCI includes a type of P_VOBU (P_VOBU_CAT) that describes the type of analog copy protection with respect to the video data of P_VOBU, start time of P_VOBU (P_VOBU_S_PTM) that describes the PTS of the first video to be displayed included in the P_V0BU, completion time of P_VOBU (P_VOBU_E__PTM) that describes the PTS of the final video to be included in the P_V0BU, time of P_VOBU_SEQ (P_VOBU_SEQ_E_PTM) that describes the PTS that includes the SEQ that exists in the P_VOBU, and P_VOBU cell reproduction time (P_VOBU_C_ELTM) that indicates the relative time in an image cell of the first video to be displayed of the P_V0BU. The P_VOB is always an I image of 1 VOBU, 1 cell and 1 video frame, and always includes SEQ. Therefore, the P_VOBU_S_PTM, the P_VOBU_E_PTM, the P_VOBU_SE_E_PTM have an identical value y and the P_VOBU_E_ELTM indicates 0. The highlight information of P_PCI includes general highlight information of P_PCI (P_PCI_HL_GI) which describes the start time, the completion time, the number of buttons, the initial selection button number, the forced execution button number and the like of the highlighting information; a button color information table of P_PCI (P_BTN_COLIT) that describes the button color information; and a button information table of P_PCI (P_BTNIT) that describes the coordinate, magnitude, mode of operation and similar things of the button. Since the P_V0BU includes a video frame as described above, the P_PCI_HL_GI is described so that the start time of the highlight information indicates 0 and the termination time indicates infinity. The recording information of P_PCI includes a video ISRC code of P_PCI (P_ISRC_V) which describes an ISRC code of the P_VOBU video; and an ISRC sub-picture code of P_PCI (P_ISRC_SP) that describes an ISRC code of the sub-picture of the P_VOBU. Figure 42 shows a structure of the P_DSI information described in the packet of P_DSI. The P_DSI includes only the general information of P_DSI (P DSI Gl). The general information of P DSI includes P_VOBU_NV packet time (P_NV_PCK_SCR) which corresponds to the last 32 significant bits of the SC packet NV of the P_VOBU, a terminating address of P_VOBU which describes the relative address with respect to the packet of NV of the P_VOBU. final package of the P_VOBU, and a first reference address of P_VOBU (P_V0BU_1STREF_EA) that describes the relative address with respect to the packet of NV of the packet that includes the final data of the first image I of the video of the P_VOBU. Since the P_VOBU includes 1 VOBU, the P_NV_PCK_SCR is always 0. Figure 29 shows the relationship between the PGC, the audio program, the cell, the image program, the image cell, the AOB, and the P_VOB. The entirety of Figure 29 represents a PGC. A plurality of such PGCs is included in an ATS. As described above, a PGC includes audio programs that describe the playback order by means of the audio data access unit and image programs that describe the playback order by means of the video data access unit. Each audio program has a cell, which is the minimum handling unit. The cell points to an AOB which is real audio data and thus determines the reproduction data. Similarly, each image program has an image cell that points to a P_VOB that is real video data and determines the contents to be reproduced. Due to such a structure, actual reproduction data pieces can be recorded on the disk in a different order. Alternatively, the same piece of data can be pointed to by a plurality of cells or image cells. To ensure the continuity of reproduction, the pieces of audio data have a flag that indicates whether the physical layout of the data on the disk is continuous or if the data is a continuous part of an AOB (ie, physical allocation information). audio program, audio program time attribute information). Video data is essentially an immobile image. Therefore, a video data program includes a cell, and a cell includes a P_VOB. The physical arrangement of the P_V0Bs does not cause any specific problem. Thus, the video data does not have such a flag. Figure 30 shows an exemplary PGC forming a title. The example shown in Figure 30 includes five programs. Programs # 1 and # 2 correspond to AOB # 1, and programs # 3, # 4 and # 5 correspond to AOB # 2. On the recording medium, AOB # 1 is recorded after AOB # 2. Programs # 1 and # 2 include a silent cell and a silent cell, and program # 2 includes two audio cells.

Programs # 3 and # 4 include a silent cell, and program # 5 includes only one audio cell. In the case where each of all the audio cells has a playback period of 60 seconds (5,400,000 in PTS) and each of all the still image cells have a reproduction period of 1 second (90,000 in PTS), the Audio program information can be described as shown in Figure 32. The image program information can be described as shown in Figure 33. Under the conditions that the audio data is 48 kHz, 16-bit sampling with 2 channels , the number of silent packets is 96 and the number of audio cell packets is 5760 as shown in Figure 34. Where the number of still image packets is 50, the image cell information is as shown in the FIG. Figure 35. In such a case, it is assumed that the P_VOB used in the image cell is recorded in a position followed by an AOB. The recording positions for the P__VOB and AOB are not physically limited, and the P_VOB and the AOB can be placed in a mixed state without specific problem. In such a case, the physical allocation of the non-continuous audio program information indicates that the AOB indicated by the audio program is not reproducible continuously. The audio cell and the image cell share the AOBs and the P_VOBs used by the other cells. The set of audio titles has been described. Next, with reference to Figure 22, the audio driver 900 will be described. (3.2) Data structure of the audio driver 900 The audio driver 900 is information for controlling the reproduction to be referenced first to effect the audio-oriented reproduction of the information on the optical disc by means of a reproduction apparatus. Figure 22 shows a data structure of the audio handler 900. The audio handler 900 includes "audio handler information (AMGI)", VOB for audio handler menu (AMCM_VOBS) ", and" data handler information backup ". audio (AMGI_BUP) "as in the first example." Audio Handler Information (AMGI) "includes" audio handler information handling table (AMGI_MAT) "which includes attribute information and indicator information," information from audio title management "that indicates the number of audio titles and other similar things," audio title search indicator (ATT_SRP) "that indicates search information in audio titles, and" audio title information table " Audio Handler Menu PGC (AMGM_PGCI_UT) "which indicates PGC information for audio handler menu, as in the first example." Audio Handler Information Handling Table (AMGI_MAT) "includes an identifier of e AMG (AMG_ID) to identify an audio handler, an AMG termination address (AMG_EA) which is a termination address for table management, an AMGI termination address (AMGI_EA), a termination address of AMGI_MAT ( AMGI_MAT_EA), address information in the AMG and AMGI tables, version number (VERN), a volume set identifier (VLMS_ID), a number of title sets (TS_Ns) that indicates the number of sets of titles included in the volume, a provider identifier (PRV_ID) to identify the provider that produced the disk, an automatic execution flag (Auto_Play_Flag) that defines the operation of the player when the disk is inserted, and AMGM_VOBS that indicates the VOB attribute information that exists in the audio manager. The "Audio Title Search Indicator Table (ATT_SRP)" has an identical structure with that of the first example.

The audio region region and the DVD as a multimedia optical disc. Next, a reproduction apparatus according to the present invention will be described for reproducing a communication means having the structure described above. The basic structure of the reproduction apparatus is similar to the structure described in the first example. In the second example, a key is provided to separately control audio data and video data on a remote control to operate the DVD player or a front panel of the DVD player. With such a key, the video data can be skipped back and forth or re-bounced at the start of the video data while the audio data is played continuously. - - - Figure 26 is a block diagram illustrating an internal structure of a DVD player 80 in the second example. The DVD player 80 is different from the DVD player 70 shown in FIG. 8 in the structure of the AV decoding section, which will be described later. In the second example, there are two streams, which are an AOB as audio data and a P_VOB as video data. A decryption section of AV 85a includes two decoders corresponding respectively to the AOB and the P_VOB. These decipherers are operated synchronously or asynchronously with each other. Specifically, the AV decoding section 85a includes a system decoder P_VOB 103 to receive a current of P_V0B and distinguish a current ID and a subcurrent ID in a header of each packet included in the stream, thereby classifying the data in a video package, a PCI package, and a sub-picture package. The decoder section of AV 85a further includes an AOB system decoder 104 for receiving an AOB stream and classifying the data in a packet header header to packet header. The AV decoding section 85a further includes a highlight buffer 94 for temporarily storing projecting information from a PCI packet of the system decoder of P_V0B 103, a video buffer 96 for temporarily storing a video packet in a similar manner , a sub-picture buffer 105 for temporarily storing a sub-picture packet, an audio buffer 99 for temporarily storing an audio packet from the AOB system decoder 104, a highlight decoder 95 for deciphering the highlight information from the highlight buffer 94 and delivering the decoded highlight information to the system control section 93, a video decoder 87 for deciphering the video data from the video buffer 96, a sub image decoder 98 for deciphering the sub-image data from the sub-image buffer 105, a desci audio framer 100 for deciphering the audio data from the audio buffer 99 and delivering the decrypted audio data as an audio output, a video synthesizer 101 for synthesizing the decoding results of the video decoder 87 and the decoder of sub-image 98 in a piece of video data, and a synchronization adjustment section 102 for handling the synchronization of highlight decoder 95, video decoder 87, sub-picture decoder 98 and audio decoder 100. The apparatus of reproduction in accordance with the present invention operates, for example, in the following manner. The operation until the reading of the current is the same as that described in the first example and will not be described hereinafter. To start playback, the system control section 93 determines whether the DVD player 80 is in a video-oriented playback mode or not, by means of a playback mode determination section. When it is determined that the DVD player 80 is in the video-oriented playback mode, the system control section 93 reads the video handler based on the information that is read from the volume file handling region. The system control section '93' refers to the PGC management information table for the video handler menu to calculate the recording address of the PGC for the volume menu.The resulting PGC is reproduced and retained within When the PGC for the volume menu is retained within, the system control section 93 refers to the PGC information _ retained to calculate the video object (VOB) to be reproduced and the recording address of the VOB on the optical disk. When the VOB to be reproduced is determined, the system control section 93 delivers a control signal to the mechanism control section 83 and the signal processing section 84 in order to recover the determined VOB from the optical disk for the reproduction. Thus, the video menu from which the user can select the title to be reproduced is displayed (see figure 40). _ The user sees the menu and selects and confirms the title in which he is interested (a) by designating the item number in the menu, using the remote control. Then, the system control section 93 receives the designation of the item number in the menu from the remote control and refers to the handling information package included in the VOB of the video menu being played, the VOB being powered from the deciphering section of AV 85a, to execute a control order corresponding to the designated number. The control order is "Playtitle" #n or something similar, and the title number to be reproduced is designated by "n". As an execution operation for the "Playtitle" command, the system control section 93 refers to the title search indicator table, which is a part of the audio handler, to determine the set of audio titles ( ATS) to which the designated title belongs and the title number in the ATS. When the ATS is confirmed, the system control section 93 delivers a control signal to the mechanism control section 83 and the signal processing section 84 in order to reproduce the ATS handling information of the confirmed set of titles and retrieves the ATS title search indicator table, which is a part of the ATS handling information, to the system control section 93. When the title search indicator table is retrieved, the control section of the system 93 refers to the table to determine the information of PGC to start the reproduction of the title to be reproduced. When the PGC information is determined, the system control section 93 sends a control signal to the mechanism control section 83 and the signal processing section 84 to reproduce the determined PGC information and retain the information in the memory internal intermediate for PGC information. When the PGC information is retained, the system control section 93 first refers to the ATS image program information table, with reference to the PGC information retained, to read all the P_VOBs described in the PGC information. and feeds the P_VOBs to the decryption section of AV 85a. The decryption section of AV 85a separates the P_VOBs feed into a packet-to-packet base or packet-to-packet basis through the system decoder of P_VOB 103 and stores the P_V0Bs in corresponding buffers. At this point, the highlight decoder 95, the video decoder 87, and the sub picture decoder 98 do not perform decryption functions. When all the P_V0Bs are stored in the corresponding buffers, the AOB to be reproduced and its recording address are determined by means of the ATS program information table and the ATS cell reproduction information table. Then, the AOB is reproduced by means of a control signal output to the mechanism control section 83 and the signal processing section 84 from the system control section 93. At this point, the highlight decoder 95 , the video decoder 87, and the sub picture decoder 98 perform decryption operations for the first time to start the video output, the highlight and audio output process. The output duration is adjusted by means of the sync adjustment section 102 according to the audio program information, the image program information, the highlight information and the time code information (PTS) of each packet. In the second example, all data is stored for the corresponding image programs in the corresponding buffers before the audio data is reproduced. Accordingly, the highlight buffer 94, the video buffer 96, and the sub-picture buffer 105 in the DVD player 80 in the second example require a buffer capacity larger than the capacity specified by MPEG2 or DVD Of video. Hereinafter, the system control section 93 sequentially determines the AOBs to be reproduced and controls their reproduction in accordance with the retained PGC information, and also decrypts the highlight information, the sub-picture information and the video information that they are already read in the intermediate memories. When the reproduction of the final AOB indicated by the PGC information is completed, the system control section 93 searches for the PGC information of the following title and reproduces the P_VOBs and the AOBs described in the PGC information in the same manner. Thus, all the titles are "played and the operation is stopped." According to the specific arrangement of the DVD player or the DVD, only one title can be played before the operation is stopped, or a menu can be displayed after Next, a method for reproducing an immobile image cell, a silent cell and an audio cell will be described in detail, Figure 14 shows a conventional method for reproducing the audio cell. Conventionally, in order to reproduce an MPEG2 stream, the header end of the audio cell packet is first searched by means of the optical head and starts the data reading, however, the audio output does not start immediately until after a period of time. The waiting period is predetermined in each reproduction device The period of waiting includes a period required to determine the PTS of the audio data, a period or required to determine which data is correct, and a period required for the muting circuit in an analog output section to be converted from a mute to a non-mute state. Thus, the waiting period varies according to the type of reproduction apparatus. Especially when the playback section and the decoder are accommodated in separate chassis, the waiting period tends to be extended because the determination in the PTS and the determination in the accuracy of the audio data are made separately. Figures 36A and 36B show methods for reproducing a silent cell and an audio cell. Figure 36A shows the method in the case where reproduction is performed from the header end of the data and Figure 36B shows the method in the case where the reproduction is carried out in continuation from the previous cell. In the case where the reproduction is performed from the header end of the data by selecting a title or program from the menu or something similar via skip, the header packet of the silent cell is skipped with reference to the start address of the cell information. At this point, the STC, which is the decipher's reference time, is established with the SCR of the silent cell's header packet. Then, the jump and jump of data corresponding to a prescribed waiting period with reference to the PTS of the silent cell is performed, and the silent cell for the waiting period is played. The audio output is prepared during this period. At this point, the next title number is not displayed on the display device of the reproduction apparatus, and the reproduction period step is not updated. In the case where the audio output is started and the display of the title number and update of the playback period passage are made simultaneously when the first PTS of the input cell is detected, the reproduction apparatus behaves as if the audio data were delivered simultaneously with the termination of the jump such as menu selection. In "the case where the reproduction is carried out in continuation from the previous cell, a silent cell is skipped or skipped except for the waiting period, at this point, by continuous count of the STC, which is reference for the system time, the interval between the termination of the audio output by the previous cell and the start of the audio output by the next cell equals the audio pause period.The count of the STC is continued when the physical allocation information and the time attribute have a value that indicates "continuous." When either of them indicates "not continuous", the same process is performed as in the jump from the menu, and thus the STC is reset to the head end of the silent cell packet In the case where there is no silent cell and the reproduction starts from the header end of the data, the operation is similar to the conventional operation shown in Figure 14. In the case of or where the reproduction is performed in continuation from the previous cell, the operation is as follows. When the time attribute information indicates "continuous", the audio cell is decrypted continuously from the previous cell and the audio data is sent. When the time attribute information indicates "not continuous", the operation is equal to the conventional operation shown in Figure 14 as in the case where the reproduction is performed from the header end of the data. Figures 37 to 39 are flow charts illustrating each a program. Since the information in the P_V0Bs is read in the corresponding buffers, the reproduction of the audio data and the processing of the highlight information can be performed asynchronously with each other, and the still image and the sub-picture can be delivered asynchronously to each other. Needless to say, synchronous visualization is possible based on the time code or system time information.

With respect to the reproduction of the audio information, in the case where the physical allocation information of the audio program information shows "continuous" and the previously reproduced program has a program number that is smaller in one than the number program program to be played now, the search for the read head for the DVD is not specifically necessary. When the time attribute information indicates "continuous" and the reproduction is made in continuation from the previous program, the STC, which is the reference time for the decoder, does not need to be reset. The determination of whether the cell is a silent cell or is not done using the cell type in the cell information. The determination that the cell is the final cell is made by comparing the address of cell information termination and the address read from the data on the DVD. The termination of the reproduction of the audio program can be determined by means of the cell index of the cell information that returns to zero, the cell type indicating a still image cell or a silent cell, or the start cell number of the following program in the audio program information.

The silent cell jump is performed while detecting the PTS when the silent cell is decrypted or obtaining the number of packets to be skipped based on the speed of the data. Since the data of an immobile image is already stored in the buffer, the display of the still image is handled based on the position in the buffer in which the immobile image of the designated cell of the designated program is recorded or recorded. based on the ordinal number (ie, first, second, etc.) of the motionless image with respect to the start. When the handling is performed based on the position in the buffer memory, the data is sent to the video decoder 87 from the designated address in the video buffer 96 and are displayed. When the handling is performed based on the still image ordinal number, the data stored in the video buffer 96 from its header end is sent to the video decoder 87 and the display is switched when the designated ordinal number is reached. The transmission of the data stops at this point. The display period of the still image is still in accordance with the description in still image cell time (P_C_Still_Time). Since the still images are each one frame data, the still image present is changed in the next still image when the period described in the still image cell time has passed. Such control is normally performed by means of the system control section 93. A still cell image time of FFh indicates infinity, which means that the immobile image is basically only changed by means of an order, user operations, or audio program termination. When the still image is changed, visualization effects can be added by designating the transition mode. The time to change the still image can be designated on a program-by-program basis before and after the display of the still image. However, in the case where the reproduction apparatus does not have a special effect display function, the still image can simply be changed by ignoring the display effects. In a synchronous mode, the audio data is reproduced based on the audio program playing period and the time code information of the audio data, and the still image and the sub picture are reproduced based on the period of time. image program playback. The synchronization adjustment section 102 compares the system reference time information and the playback periods and thus performs synchronization control.

In an asynchronous mode, the audio data is not synchronized and reproduced separately from the highlight data, the sub picture data and the still image data. The highlight data, the subpicture data and the still image data are synchronized with each other, and the audio data is continuously reproduced in real time based on the system time information. The still image is changed in asynchronous mode by means of user operations and order. The operations of the user basically include a continuous playback operation of audio programs at the same time that image programs are fed forward, backward or toward the heading end.; and an operation of feeding both audio programs and image programs simultaneously forward, backward or toward the header end. The order has similar functions. Synchronous mode and asynchronous mode are changed according to the image program playback control. In the case where the image program reproduction control is designated to prohibit control by the user's operations, the data is reproduced basically in the synchronous mode except for the order. In the case where the image program playback mode prevents user operations and the order to synchronize audio programs and image programs with each other, the DVD player can wait until the duration is obtained or the image programs can play continuously according to the image program playback period without-synchronization. In the case where the reproduction of the audio programs is not completed when the reproduction of the image programs is finished, the image programs can be continuously reproduced from the first image program or the last image program can be continuously reproduced. In the case where the reproduction of all the image programs is completed before all the audio programs are finished, only the image programs can be played while the audio part is silent, the audio programs can be reproduced from the first programs audio, or playback of the audio title may be terminated. Some of the audio programs and image programs included in the audio title can be selected randomly and repeated a designated number of times. Such audio and image programs may be repeated so that the same program is not repeated (disordered mode). The audio programs and the image programs are synchronized with each other so that the audio program and the image program having the same number can always be played simultaneously, or the audio programs and the image programs can be reproduced independently and asynchronously . An audio title number or time may be designated directly for playback by user operations, i.e., usually by means of remote control or other keys. Such reproduction by direct designation by user operations can not be used when the directly designated prohibition of reproduction flag (U0P1) and the designated time-prohibiting flag (UOP2) of the ATT_CAT indicate prohibition. By such a designation, the creators of the title may describe reproducible audio titles by means of an order under some conditions of the reproduction apparatus. For example, an audio title that is normally not reproducible can be played under certain conditions. For example, a certain parameter can be set in specific players so that the parameter can be evaluated by an order, and the order can be described as reproducing the audio title only when a value _ is set in the parameter. When UOP1 and UOP2 are set to prohibit directly designated playback, the audio title can only be played by the specific player. Such a system easily allows the reproduction of certain audio titles, recorded on a disc that includes a plurality of audio titles, for which rights have been paid. AV decoding sections that have other structures can be used. For example, as shown in Figure 27, a decryption section of AV 85b also acts as a system decoder for AOB and P_VOB. Since the AOB and P_VOB are powered at different times, the same type of AV decoder section as the one used by the video DVD can be used only the capabilities of the highlight buffer 94, the video buffer 96, and the sub-picture buffer 105 are increased and an immobile image handling mechanism is added to the control _ of the video buffer 96. The operation of the AV decoding section 85b is practically the same as that of the section decorator of AV 85a. The DVD player may have the structure shown in Figure 28. In this structure, a buffer P_V0B 106 is provided for P_VOB streams immediately before the AV decoder section 85b. The same type of AV decoder section as the one used by the video DVD can be used. All the data of P_VOB to be read before the reproduction of the audio data is stored in the P-buffer VOB 106. The buffer of P_VOB 106 sends simultaneously and dynamically the P_V0Bs corresponding to the order of reproduction with the audio stream and send the resulting data to the decoder section of AV 85b. In -Consequence, the system decoder 120 for AOB and P_V0B in the decryption section of AV 85b is required to have a processing speed that is slightly higher than the speed specified by the DVD video standards. The streams need to be fed to the decoder section of AV 85b so that the audio buffer 99 does not overflow. In the second example, as described above, the program reproduction information including the start time and the reproduction period of each piece of audio data based on the start time of reproduction of the headings audio data in the MPEG2 stream is recorded in the driving region as a part of the playback control information. Therefore, an optical disk is provided to achieve the reproduction of high quality digital audio data together with video data in a restricted range of bit rates. Moreover, a certain interval can be established between audio reproductions even in a cheap reproduction apparatus that does not include any video data reproduction function. This allows the creators of titles to create data easily. Since a plurality of still images, sub-picture and menu can be displayed synchronously with or asynchronously from the high-quality audio data, a wider variety of displays become available.

(Example 3) An optical disk, an apparatus and a method for reproducing information from the optical disk in a third example in accordance with the present invention will be described. Identical elements previously discussed in the first example belong to identical reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted. (1) Physical structure of the optical disk The physical structure of the optical disc is identical to that described in the first and second examples and therefore its description will be omitted. (2) Logical structure of the optical disk The logical structure of the optical disk is identical to that described in the first and second examples and therefore its description will be omitted. (3) Data structure of the audio zone region 32c Figure 43 shows a data structure of the audio region region 32c. The audio zone region 32c stores an audio handler 900 and one or more sets of audio titles 800 as in the first and second examples. The audio zone region 32c also stores an immobile audio video set 1100. (3.1) Data structure of audio manager 900 Figure 44 shows a data structure of 'audio driver 900 in the third example. The structure of the audio handler 900 has the same structure as that shown in Figure 4 below for the stage of the audio handler information handling table (AMGI_MAT) 902. The audio handler information handling table 902 includes an ASVS start address (ASVS_SA) 904 to store the position of the immobile audio video set.

The structure of the audio handler information handling table 902 is the same as that shown in figure 22 except for the start address of ASVS 904. (3.2) Data structure of the stationary 1100 audio video set Figure 45 shows a data structure of the stationary audio video assembly 1100. The stationary audio video assembly 1100 includes a plurality of image video objects (hereinafter, referred to as "P_V0Bs") 1102, handling of stationary audio video (ASVSI) 1101 to handle the plurality of P_V0Bs 1102, and support of stationary audio video set management information (ASVSI_BUP) 1103. In the following description, the immobile audio video set will generally be referred to as an "ASVS." The P_V0Bs 1102 will generally be referred to as an "immobile audio video object (ASVOB)". (3.2.1) Data structure of P_VOB 1102 Figure 46 shows a data structure of the P VOB 1102. The P VOB 1102 includes an image NV packet (P_NV_PCK) 1113, a plurality of video packets.

(V_PCK) 1114, and one. plurality of sub-picture packages (SP_PCK) 1115. Only one NV image package is included 1113 in each P_VOB 1102. Each of the video packets (V_PCK) 1114 stores video data forming a system I image.

MPEG. Unlike the VOB, the P_V0B is for storing an immobile image but not a moving image. Accordingly, the video data stored in each video pack 1114 includes only one I image that is compressed in frame. Here, information indicating an immobile image corresponds to an I image. Each of the sub-picture packages 1115 can store a plurality of sub-picture streams. Each sub-picture pack 1115 stores an identification code to identify the plurality of sub-picture streams. The sub-picture packets 1115 need not be included in the P_V0B 1102. The picture NV packet 11.13 includes a DSI packet (not shown) and a PCI packet (not shown). The DSI packet "stores information used for special effects such as fast forward playback." The PCI packet stores highlight information 1120 (FIG. 47).

As shown in Figure 47, highlight information 1120 includes general highlight information of ASV 1121 indicating an effective period, number of buttons, and similar highlights; button color information of ASV 1122 indicating the button display color; and an ASV button information table 1123 indicating a button command and the like. Unlike the video DVD case, the P_V0B 1102 does not have any audio data. (3.2.2) Data structure of 1101 motionless audio video set management information As shown in FIG. 45, the stationary audio video set management information 1101 includes stationary audio video unit information (ASVUI) 1131 for handling a plurality of motionless images as a group and a motionless audio video search indicator (ASV_SRPT) table 1132 to handle the recording position of the P_V0B 1102. The motionless video unit information 1131 is information to handle a plurality of P_V0Bs 1102 that have the same attribute and are continuously recorded on the disk. Such information is a basic unit for the reproduction process.

The immobile audio video unit information 1131 includes a "stationary audio video set ID (ASVS_ID)"; a "number of stationary audio video sets (ASVS_Ns)"; a "start address of P_VOB (P_VOBS_SA)" and a "termination address of P_VOB (P_VOBS_EA)" indicating the position ie recording of the P_VOB; an "ASVU attribute" indicating the ASVU attribute such as, for example, a compression method of the P_VOB, appearance mode and existence of a button; a "P_VOB sub-picture palette (P_VOBS_SP_PLT)" to determine the sub-picture display color, and "ASVU general information (ASVU_GI)" which corresponds to each ASVU to designate the P_V0B to which each ASVU belongs. Each "ASVU general information (ASVU_GI)" includes a "P_VOB number (P_VOB_Ns)" that indicates the number of P_V0Bs that make up the ASVU, and a "start P_VOB number" that indicates which P_VOBs belong to the ASVU. The stationary audio video search indicator table 1132 stores a plurality of "ASV Search Indicator (ASV_SRPT)" which indicates the start address of each of the P VOBs included in the ASVS. (3.3) Data structure of the audio title set 800 Figure 48 shows a data structure of the set of audio titles 800 in the third example. The audio title set 800 shown in Figure 48 has the same structure as that shown in Figure 5 except for the structure of the PGC 833 information. Figure 49 shows a data structure of the PGC 833 information. PGC information 833 includes "general ATS PGC information (ATS_PGC_GI)", an "ATS program information table (ATS_PGIT)", an "audio cell reproduction information table (ATS_C_PBIT"), and a "table of ATS audio stationary video playback information (ATS_ASV_PBIT) "The" general information of ATS PGC (ATS_PGC_GI) "includes the number of audio programs and the number of cells included in the PGC information, the PGC playback period, and the ATS_PGC Address information about ATS_PGC information includes indicator information to "ATS program information table (ATS_PGIT)", "audio cell reproduction information table" (ATS_C_PBI ", and an" ATS audio stationary video playback information table (ATS_ASV_PBIT. "The" ATS program information table (ATS PGIT) "includes a plurality of" audio program information "units (ATS_PGI). ) "included in the PGC Each of the plurality of units of" audio program information (ATS_PGI) "includes" audio program physical assignment information "which indicates whether or not the AOBs of each program and the program are recorded. AOB of the previous program in physically discontinuous positions on the optical disc, "audio program time attribute information" indicating whether the AOB time information is continuous, or not with the information, of the time of the previous AOB, a " audio program start cell number "indicating the first cell number forming the audio program," reproduction start audio cell time "indicating the first time information of the first audio-cell incl. uida in. the audio program, a "total audio program playback period" indicating the playback period of the audio program, an "audio pause period" indicating the silent period until the "audio program playback" of the audio program begins. audio, an "ASVU number (ASVUN)" which designates the still image unit to be reproduced simultaneously with the program's audio data, an "immobile audio video display mode (ASV_DMOD)" which indicates the display mode of the the still image such as, for example, if the still image or the still images are displayed according to order or randomly, and a "start address of ATS_ASV_PBI" and "termination address of ATS_ASV_PBI" which designates reproduction information of the corresponding ATS audio immobile video in the ATS audio immobile video playback information table (ATS_ASV_PBIT) Figure 50 shows a data structure of the "display mode of motionless audio video (ASV_DMOD) ". The" motionless video display mode of rj audio (ASV DMOD) "includes a" display duration mode "flag and a" display order mode "flag." Display duration mode "indicates specific duration for reproducing the audio data and a period for updating the still image. When the "display duration mode" is "Broker", the immobile image display period can be changed by interaction with the user. When the "display duration mode" is "SlideShow", the display duration of the still image can not be changed by interaction with the user. When the "display duration mode" is "SlideShow", the still image display is updates according to the duration of display determined synchronously with the audio information that is played simultaneously. When the "display duration mode" is "Browsable", the display of the still image is updated when the period of 5 certain display continuation has passed, asynchronously from the audio information that is played simultaneously. The "display order mode" indicates whether the still image or still images are displayed sequentially according to the display list, Or random or messy. A random display of the still image refers to the still image or the still images being selected at random while allowing overlapping and displaying according to the selected order. A disordered display of motionless image refers to the motionless image or motionless images being randomly selected while overlapping is prohibited and displayed in accordance with the selected order. The "audio cell reproduction information table (ATS_C_PBIT") includes a plurality of units of "audio cell reproduction information (ATS_C_PBI)." Each "audio cell reproduction information unit (ATS_C_PBI)" includes a "number of cell index "indicating the order of cells included in the program, a" cell type "that indicates the attribute of the cell (that is, if the cell is a stationary image cell or a silent cell), a" cell start address "indicating the starting address of the cell at 5 the shape of a relative address with respect to the first AOB packet of the ATS including the cell, and a" cell termination address "indicating the address end of the cell in the same way.The "table of video playback information ATS audio stationary (ATS_ASV_PB1T) "includes a plurality of units of" ATS audio immobile video playback information (ATS_ASV_PBI) ". Each" ATS audio immobile video playback unit " (ATS_ASV_PBI) "includes a plurality of" lists of display (DLIST) "indicating that P_VOBs stored in the motionless audio video set are played back and in which order the P_VOBs are played. -f Each" display list (DLIST) "includes an" AVS number "that indicates the ordinal number (that is, first, second or similar) of the P_VOB in the ASVU, an "initial button number (FOSL_BTNN") indicating the number of a button that is in the highlight information and selected in an initial state, an "audio program number" "which indicates the corresponding audio program with the DLIST, "display duration" indicating the duration to display the P_VOB included in the DLIST, and a "start section transition mode" and a "termination section transition mode" indicating the transition of the immobile image. In this example, like the image transition modes, they are assumed to be "without transition", "fading from black", "fading into black", "cross-fading", and "sweeping in several directions". (3.4) Data structure of the AOB 802 _ The AOB 802 is packaged in 2 Kbytes. The AOB 802 stores data in the LPCM format, the AC3 format, the DTS format or other compression formats. In the case of the 15 LPCM format, the sample bit is 16, 20, or 24 bits, with a sampling frequency of 48 kHz, 96 kHz, 192 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 88.2 kHz, or 176.2 kHz. ^ The AOB 802 has an exemplary structure as described in the second example with reference to Figure 20 24. (4) Two methods of reproduction The audio zone region 32c stores three 25 MPEG streams of one VOB, one AOB and one P VOB. The AOB is included in the set of audio titles (ATS). The P_VOB is included in the stationary audio video set (ASVS). The VOB is included in the audio handler (AMG) as shown in Figure 44. The AOB and the P_VOB are the main information stored on the disk, and are typically musical information with a still image. The VOB is usually a menu that allows the user to select any musical information with a still image. Among the MPEG streams stored in the audio region region 32c, the VOB is reproduced by a normal method specified by MPEG. The AOB and the P_V0B are reproduced by means of a different extended method that is different from the normal method. (4.1) Normal reproduction method First, the normal reproduction method will be described. This method is used to play a VOB stored on the optical disc. Figure 51 shows a data structure of a system stream in the third example according to MPEG. The optical disk stores at least one system current.

The system stream may include a plurality of elementary streams. The elementary streams include a video elementary stream that stores image information in motion, an elementary stream of audio that stores audio information, and a sub-picture elementary stream that stores sub-picture information. Each of the plurality of elementary streams is divided into a plurality of packets. The system current shown in Figure 51 includes a video elementary stream, an audio elementary stream, and an elementary sub-picture stream. The elementary stream of video is divided into one or more video packages. The elementary stream of audio is divided into one or more audio packets. The sub-picture elementary stream is divided into one or more sub-picture packages. In Figure 51, the letter "V" represents a video packet, the letter "A" represents an audio packet, and the letter "S" represents a sub picture package. As shown in Figure 51, each packet includes a "packet header", a "packet header" and a "data field". The data length of a packet is 2Kbyte. Described in the "packet header" are data that make up the MPEG including, for example, a packet start code, an SCR (system clock reference), and a MUX (Multiple) ratio. # Described in the "packet heading" are data confirming the MPEG including, for example, a current ID, a packet length, an STD (system target decoder), a buffer size, and a PTS (presentation time stamp). The current ID described in the "header packet "indicates whether the data stored in the" field ^ w * - of data "is an elementary stream of video or any other elementary current .. Any other elementary stream is an elementary stream of audio, an elementary stream of sub-picture or driving information.15 The driving information is referred to as a "NV package". The handling information includes a PCI packet and a DSI packet. The package of 'PCI stores highlight information to receive and process user interaction. The DSI package stores information used for special effects such as, for example, fast forward playback. In this example, the data field of the elementary streams other than the handling information stores the sub-current ID. The undercurrent ID is an 8-bit field that indicates whether the data stored in the data field is audio data or sub-picture data. The undercurrent ID also indicates a type of code and a channel identification number. When the data stored in the data field is audio data, the code type is one of the linear PCM format, the AC-3 format, the DTS format and the like, and the channel identification number is one of # 0 up to # 7 (maximum 8 types). When the data stored in the data field is subpicture data, the channel identification number is one from # 0 to # 31 (maximum 32 types). In the "data field", compressed data is recorded according to a prescribed format. For example, video data is compressed by MPEG2 and recorded in the data field. Audio data is compressed by the linear PCM format, the AC-3 format or the DTS format and recorded in the data field. Subpicture data is compressed by running length encryption and recorded in the data field. The PTS in the "packet header" and the "packet header" is used to synchronize the decryption of the audio packet and the key decryption of the subpicture packet. In the case where the reproduction apparatus reproduces a system current recorded on the optical disc, the reproduction apparatus sets the SCR included in the header packet of the system current as an initial value of the STC, which is a reference clock. , and it feeds each packet to the corresponding decoder in the time duration indicated by the SCR while referring to the STC. Each of the decrypted packets is delivered externally from the decoder to the duration indicated by the PTS. By issuing each packet in the duration indicated by the PTS included in the package, the synchronization of the audio, video and sub-picture outputs is guaranteed. As described above, in the case of using the normal reproduction method, the system current to be reproduced is transmitted simultaneously with audio information, video information and sub-picture information. The system currents are reproduced by resetting the STC, which is a reference clock, of each system current and externally deliver audio, video and sub-picture data from the decoder in the duration indicated by the PTS included in each packet. Thus, the audio data, video data and sub-picture data are reproduced synchronously with each other. (4.2) Method of reproducing AOB and P_VOB Hereinafter, a method of reproducing an AOB and a P_VOB recorded on the optical disc will be described. Figure 52 shows the relationship between P_VOB, ASVU, program and AOB. An ATS may include a plurality of units (ATS_PGCI) of PGC information. In the example shown in Figure 52, the ATS includes a PGC information unit (ATS_PGCI). "Described in the PGC information is one or more audio program information units (ATS_PGI) (for example, program # 1, program # 2 ... program #L) the audio program information is an audio data access unit. The audio program information includes one or more units (ATS_C_PBI) of audio cell reproduction information. The audio cell reproduction information unit is a minimum handling unit. The audio cell playback information points to the position in the audio data stored in the AOB. Thus, the audio data to be reproduced in relation to the audio cell reproduction information is determined. Also described in the PGC information is one or more ATS units (ATS ASV PBI) of stationary audio video playback information. The ATS audio motionless video playback information defines the way in which the still image is played on a program-by-program basis. A plurality of audio program information units may share an ATS audio immobile video playback information unit. In the example shown in figure 52, program # 1 and program # 2 share ATS_ASV_PBI # 1. The immobile audio video playback information may be shared when a plurality of audio program information units point to a common input in the ATS audio stationary video playback information table (ATS_ASV_PBIT). Figure 69 shows the relationship between the DLIST and the P_VOB. The ATS_ASV_PBI includes a plurality of display lists (DLIST), and each DLIST points to the still image data (P_VOB) to be displayed. Normally, the still image data (P_V0B) is reproduced according to the order of the DLIST. The ATS_ASV_PBI can be designated by the program unit of the ATS_PGCI. The same ATS_ASV_PBI can be designated by means of continuous programs. The P_VOB can be designated by the ASVU which is a reading unit. The same ASVU is designated by means of the programs that designate the same ATS_ASV_PBI In other words, continuous programs can be designated to use the same ATS_ASV_PBI with respect to the same ASVU. This is referred to as the range of ASVU While playing the programs in the same range of ASVU, the same ASVU is used. As a result, the still image is not read and therefore the reproduction of the audio data is not interrupted. The DLIST of the ATS_ASV_PBI can designate an arbitrary P_V0B that is included in the same ASVU. Therefore, the same P_V0B can be designated a plurality of times. The P_VOB in the ASVU do not need to be designated in the DLIST. Therefore, different still images can be reproduced while using the same ASVU between different programs, although the ATS_ASV_PBI needs to be changed. The audio program information designates the ASVU recorded in the ASVS to designate a plurality of still images (P_VOB) to be displayed simultaneously with the reproduction of the AOB. The ASVU defines the unit by means of which the reproduction apparatus temporarily stores the immobile image data. In other words, the still image data in the designated ASVU is read before an audio program information unit is played. Accordingly, the playback apparatus does not need to read the still image data from the optical disc while playing a music program. When playing the following music program information, the playback apparatus determines whether or not the plurality of stationary image data pieces indicated by the required ASVU exist in the main memory area or not. In the case where the plurality of ASVU still image data pieces used in the above audio program information exist in the main memory area, the playback apparatus does not require reading the still image data from the optical disc. The disc title creators may allow the playback apparatus to change from an audio program information unit quickly to the next audio program information unit causing an ASVU to be shared by the two audio program information units. . The reproduction apparatus can make a quick change of a program unit of. audio in the next audio program unit when the successive audio program units share the ASVU.

Each ATS_ASV_PBI handles the display order of the still images to be displayed by the display list (DLIST). In the display list (DLIST), the still image to be displayed is designated by means of the ASV number. The ASV number is used to specify the still image included in the ASVU. Thus, the PGC information allows the still image to be designated for each audio program information unit. Alternatively, the same immobile image may be displayed for a plurality of audio program information units. Even when the audio program information is changed, the display can be changed without silencing the audio data. Figure 53 shows an exemplary PGC forming a title. In this example, the PGC includes four audio programs. Audio program # 1 that corresponds to AOB # 1, audio program # 2 that corresponds to AOB # 2, audio programs # 3 and # 4 that correspond to AOB # 3 and # 4. In the recording medium, the AOBs are recorded in the order of AOB # l, AOB # 2 and AOB # 3. Each of the audio programs, # 1, # 2 and # 3 has a silent cell, and audio program # 2 has two music cells. Audio programs # 1 and # 2 represent ASVU # 1, and audio programs # 3 and # 4 represent ASVU # 2. P_VOB # 1 is shown in cell # 2, P_VOB # 2 is shown in cell # 4, P_VOB # 3 is shown in cell # 5, the P_VOB # 4 is shown in cell # 7, and P_VOB # 5 is shown in cell # 8. In the case where each of all the audio cells has a playback period of 60 seconds (5,400,000 in PTS) and each of all still image cells have a reproduction period of 1 second (90,000 in PTS), the audio program information can be described as shown in Figure 54. The still picture program information can be described as shown in Figure 55. Under the conditions that the audio data is 48 kHz , 16 bit sampling with 2 channels, the number of silent packets is 96 and the number of audio cell packets is 5760 as shown in figure 56. Where the number of still image packets is 50, the search indicator of ASV is as shown in Figure 57. The general information of ASV is as shown in Figure 58. In this example, the address information in the ASV search indicator is a relative address with respect to the position of the ASV. recording of the first P_V0B, but it can be in any other form that specifies the position of the P_VOB on the optical disc. In the case where, for example, the ASVU generation information includes address information acting as the reference, the address information of the ASV search indicator may be the relative address with respect to the position indicated by the address information in the general information of ASVU. When the immobile audio video display mode is "SlideShow" as in the case of programs # 1 and # 2 shown in Figure 54, the still image reproduction is reproduced in synchronization with the audio data. Since the ASVU number of programs # 1 and # 2 is "1", ASVU # 1 is read to the buffer before the programs are played. Then, as shown in Fig. 55, the still image information # 1 is referred to from the address information of the ATS_ASV_PBI to start the display of still images in display lists # 1, # 2 and # 3 in the information of stationary video playback of audio # 1 at the time indicated by the "audio program number" and "display duration" of the display lists. The duration of the display is synchronous with the period of the audio information to be reproduced with the immobile images. More specifically, the still image in the display list # 1 of the still audio video playback information # 1 is displayed when the PTS becomes 90,000 while the AOB # 1 is played. The motionless image in the display list # 2 of the stationary audio video playback information # 1 is displayed when the PTS becomes 90,000 while the AOB # 2 is played. The motionless image in the display list # 3 of the motionless audio video playback information # 1 is displayed when the PTS becomes 5,580,000 at the time that the AOB # 2 is played. As described above, when the immobile audio video display mode is "SlideShow", the still image is synchronously displayed at the prescribed synchronization with the reproduction of the audio data. The display duration can not be changed by user interaction (for example, selection of a specific button by means of the mouse). Figure 59A shows the relationship between the duration of audio data reproduction and the duration of display of the still image when the still video display mode of audio is "SlideShow." In cont, when the immobile audio video display mode is "Browsable" as in the case of programs # 3 and # 4 shown in Figure 54, the still image is reproduced asynchronously from the audio data. Since the ASVU number of programs # 3 and # 4 is "2", ASVU # 2 is read to the buffer before the programs are played. Then, the still image information # 2 is referred to from the address information of the ATS_ASV_PBI. The duration of display of the still images in the display lists # 1 and # 2 in the ATS audio video playback information # 2 can be changed by means of user interaction (e.g., the entry of an order by the user). In the case where no user interaction is generated within the period indicated by the "display synchronization" of the display list, the period indicated by the "display duration" is considered as the display continuation period. When the display continuation period has passed, the display of the next immobile image begins. It is possible to designate with the immobile audio video display mode if the still images are displayed sequentially according to the display list, the randomly selected immobile images are reproduced while allowing overlap (random reproduction), or the immobile images selected at random are reproduced while prohibiting the superposition (disordered reproduction).

Practically, when playback starts with program # 3, ASVU # 2 is loaded into the buffer since the ASVU number of program # 3 is "2". Then, the DLIST indicated by the stationary audio video playback information of ATS # 2 is referenced from the address information of the ATS_ASV_PBI. Since the audio program number of the display list # 1 is "3", P_VOB # 4 which corresponds to the ASV number of the display list # 1 is shown. When a key corresponding to Next_DLIST provided on the remote control is pressed, the still image of DLIST # 2 is displayed, ie P_VOB # 5 indicated by the ASIST number of DLIST # 2. The still images in the DLISTs are displayed according to the "display effect" (ie the effect of the display of the start section and the termination section display effect, see figure 55). When no user operation is performed within the time of 5,490,000 indicated by the duration of display of display list # 1, ie approximately 1 minute (coinciding with the reproduction period of program # 3), the still image of the next DLIST, that is, P_VOB # 5 is displayed according to the "display effect" and the "transition time". The data of program audio # 4 is reproduced in relation to the display of P_VOB # 5. In the case where the program play period # 3 is shorter than the period indicated by the display duration of P_VOB # 4, the display of P_VOB # 4 is terminated and the display of P_VOB # 5 is started while the program # 3 is played. In the case where the display period indicated by the display duration of P_VOB # 4 is longer than the playback period of program # 3, the display of P_VOB # 5 starts after the program playback starts # 4 . When playback starts with program # 4, ASVU # 2 reads as in the case of the start with program # 3 to show the P_VOB in the first DLIST that has the audio program number of "4". After this, the display of still images can be changed according to the operations or orders of the user. The audio program number of the DLIST is effective only to determine the P_V0B to be displayed first only when the ASVU is changed. When playback is continuous, a user operation or command has priority over the audio program number. When the P VOB is displayed at the time indicated by the duration of the display, the P_VOB indicated by the following DLIST is displayed. When the indicated value of the display duration refers to "infinity", the corresponding P_V0B is displayed continuously until the user operation or execution of an order is performed.

As the value that indicates infinity, the maximum value (for example, all bit values are "1") can be used but other values are also usable. When the motionless video display mode is "Browsable", the display period of the P_VOB can always be infinite. Fig. 59B shows the relationship between the duration of reproduction of the audio data and the duration of display of the still image when the still video display mode of audio is "Browsable." In this example, the information required for each of the audio programs is recorded in the audio program information (ATS_PGI). When it is found that the information corresponds to each audio program, the information can be recorded in any area.

For example, as shown in Figure 60, the number of ASVU, immobile audio video display mode, ATS ASV PBI start address, and termination address of ATS_ASV_PBI are recorded in the search indicator of immobile audio video playback information (ATS_PG_ASV_PBI_SRP) _. As described above, the AOB and P_VOB are reproduced simultaneously by means of decryptors unlike the case of the VOB. From here on, the reproduction method of the VOB and the reproduction method of the AOB and P_VOB will be compared. The two reproduction methods are identical with each other in the sense that the video information is delivered together with the audio information. It should be noted that in the case of the P_VOB, the video information is still image information that includes an image I. A difference between the two reproduction methods is the recording position of the data. In the case of VOB, the audio information and video information are transmitted simultaneously and recorded on the optical disc as a system current, while the AOB and the P_VOB are recorded in different areas of the optical disc as current. of different systems. Another difference between the two methods of reproduction _ is the method of synchronization of audio data and immobile image data. The VOBs are reproduced by means of a decipherer one by one as described above. In more detail, the STC, which is a reference clock, is reset by the SCR in the "packet header", and the STC refers to the output of both the audio information and the still image information in the duration of the PTS in the "packet header" in each packet. In contrast, AOBs and P_VOBs are reproduced simultaneously by decoders. As described in more detail below, a plurality of P_VOBs prescribed to be reproduced synchronously with the AOB are read from the disk and fed to the decoder before the AOBs. Unlike VOBs, the P VOBs fed to the decryptor are not displayed immediately but remain in the decoder. "With respect to each P_VOB, it is considered that the STC is reset with the SCR of the header packet according to the MPEG decryption model and the P_VOB is decrypted according to the PTS in the packet, so that the data afterwards of the plurality of P_VOBs described to be reproduced synchronously with the AOB are accumulated.Actually, the data with respect to the P.VOB before deciphering is accumulated in an appropriate buffer.When the P VOBs are fully powered in the decoder, the _! __L_- ~ .ü- AOB is read from the optical disk and fed to the decoder When the AOB is fed -to the decoder, the) STC, which is a reference clock, is reset by the SCR in the header packet, and the AOB is delivered in the duration of the PTS in each packet header that refers to the STC as in the case of the VOB Information about the actual output duration of the P_VOBs is recorded in another area of the optical disk (ie DLIST) as a part of the PGC information). The information on the duration of output is provided separately to the decipherer. Each P_VOB in the decoder is not synchronously delivered with the STC but in the duration of the recording recorded in the DLIST. In other words, by reproducing the AOB, the PTS that is included in the AOB is used to determine the display duration of the AOB; and by reproducing the P__VOB, the information that is recorded separately from the P_VOB is used to determine the display duration of the P_VOB. The audio region region and the DVD have been described as a multimedia optical disc. Next, a reproduction apparatus in this example will be described to reproduce a medium having the structure described above. The basic structure of the reproduction apparatus in this example is the same as that of those described in the first and second examples. As in the second example, a key is provided on a remote control to separately control audio data and video data to operate the DVD player or is provided on a front panel of the DVD player. With such a key, the video data can jump forward and backward or rewind to the beginning of the video data while the audio data is continuously played. Fig. 61 is a block diagram illustrating an internal structure of a DVD player 90 in the third example. The DVD player 90 is different from the DVD player 70 shown in FIG. 8 in the structure of the AV decoding section, which will be described below. In the third example, usable streams include an AOB as audio data, and a P_V0B as video data, and a VOB for menu or the like obtained by simultaneous transmission of audio data and video data. A decryption section of AV 85a including a system decoder of P_V0B 103, an AOB system decoder 104, and a VOB system decoder 108. The AV 85c decryption section has a structure for operating the system decoders 103, 104 and 108 synchronously and asynchronously with each other. The system decoder of P_V0B 103 receives a current of P_VOB and distinguishes a current ID and a sub-current ID in a header of each packet included in the stream, thereby classifying the data into a video packet, a PCI packet. (highlight), and a package of subpicture. The AOB system decoder 104 receives an AOB stream and classifies the data into a packet header header to packet header. The VOB system decoder 108 receives a VOB stream and distinguishes a current ID and a sub-current ID in a header of each packet included in the stream, thus classifying the data into an audio packet, a video packet. , a PCI package (highlight), and a sub-picture package. The decryption section of AV 85c however includes a highlight buffer 94 for temporarily storing highlight information of a PCI packet from the system decoder of P_V0B 103 and the VOB system decoder 108, a video buffer 96 for temporarily storing a video packet from the system decoder of P_VOB 103 and the VOB system decoder 108, a sub-picture buffer 105 for temporarily storing a sub-picture packet of the P_VOB 103 system decoder and the VOB system decoder 108, an audio buffer 99 for temporarily storing an audio packet from the AOB system decoder 104 and the VOB system decoder 108, a highlight decoder 95 for deciphering the highlight data from the highlight buffer 94 and output the decoded highlight data to the system control section 93, a video decoder 87 pa deciphering the video data from the video buffer 96, a sub-picture decoder 98 for deciphering the sub-picture data from the sub-picture buffer 105, an audio decoder .100 for deciphering the audio data from the audio buffer 99 and outputting the decrypted audio data as an audio output, a video synthesizer 101 to synthesize the decoding results of the video decoder 87 and the sub picture decoder 98 on a piece of video data, and a synchronization adjustment section 102 for handling the synchronization of highlight decoder 95, video decoder 87, subpicture decoder 98, and audio decoder 100. The reproduction apparatus having the aforementioned structure operates on, for example, the following way. The operation until the reading of the current is the same as that described in the first and second examples and will not be described later.

Figures 62 to 66 are schematic flow diagrams illustrating an operation for reproducing the PGC information. To begin playback, the system control section 93 determines whether or not the DVD player 90 is in a video-oriented playback mode, by means of a playback mode determination section. When it is determined that the DVD player 90 is in the video-oriented playback mode, the system control section 93 reads the video handler based on the information that is read from the volume file handling region. The system control section 93 refers to the PGC management information table for the video handler menu to calculate the recording address of the PGC for the volume menu. The resulting PGC is reproduced and retained inside. When the PGC for the volume menu is retained within, the system control section 93 refers to the PGC information retained to calculate the video object (VOB) to be reproduced and the recording address of the VOB on the optical disk . When the VOB to be reproduced is determined, the system control section 93 delivers a control signal to the mechanism control section 83 and the signal processing section 84 so as to recover the determined VOB from the optical disk for the reproduction. When the system stream forming the VOB is fed to the decoding section of AV 85c, an instruction indicating "play VOB" as a decoding instruction is given to the decryption section of AV 85c. The VOB feed to the decoding section of AV 85c is divided into streams that form the VOB, that is, an audio packet, a video packet, a sub-picture packet, and an NV packet by the VOB system decoder 108, and the streams are fed respectively to the audio buffer 99, the video buffer 96, the sub-picture buffer 105, and the highlight buffer 94. The highlight buffer 95 stores only the information of highlight in the PCI package in the NV package. The data input to each buffer is fed to the audio decoder 100, the video decoder 87, the sub picture decoder 98 or the highlight decoder 95 to be deciphered. The audio data for the menu is delivered from the audio decoder 100. The outputs of the video decoder 87 and the sub picture decoder 98 are synthesized synthesized by the video synthesizer 101 and delivered as video data. The highlight decoder output 95 is read to the system control section 93 and the button or similar information of each menu is stored in the memory in the system control section 93. Thus, it is shown (see figure 40) a video menu from which the user can select the title to be played (ie, audio program). The user sees the menu and selects and confirms the title in which he is interested by (a) designating the item number in the menu using the remote control. Then, the system control section 93 receives the designation of the item number in the menu from the remote control and refers to the button information of the highlight information of the PCI packet included in the VOB of the video menu which is reproducing, the VOB that is stored in the memory, to execute a control order corresponding to the designated number. The control order is "PlayProgram" #n or something similar, and the title number to be reproduced is designated by "n." As an execution operation by the order "PlayProgram", the system control section 93 refers to the title search indicator table, which is a part of the audio handler, to determine the set of audio titles (ATS ) to which the designated title belongs and the title number in the ATS. When the ATS is confirmed, the system control section 93 delivers a control signal to the mechanism control section 83 and the signal processing section 84 to reproduce the ATS handling information of the set of titles confirmed and sequentially retrieves ATS PGC information search indicator, which is a part of the ATS management information, to determine the PGC information that includes the audio program to be reproduced. When the PGC information is determined, the system control section 93 delivers a control signal to the mechanism control section 83 and the signal processing section 84 to reproduce the determined PGC information from the disk and retain the information "in the buffer inside for the PGC information." When the PGC information is retained, the system control section 93 reproduces the PGC information accordingly, with the flow chart shown in Figure 62. It is assumed that the The audio program to be reproduced is already determined by the menu order described above or the address designation using the remote control The system control section 93 refers to the PGC information retained to first acquire the ASVU number of the first audio program information and compares the number with the ASVU number reproduced above.When the ASVU number is changed, the section n control system 93 reads all data still image, ie, the P_VOBs included in the ASVU based on the general information ASVU corresponding to the number of ASVU and feeds the number to the deciphering section AV 85c. Simultaneously, an instruction indicating "reproducing P_VOB" is given to the decryption section of AV 85c as a decryption instruction current from the system control section 93. The decryption section of AV 85c separates the P_VOBs fed into a base packet to packet or base packet to packet by the system decoder of P_VOB 92 and stores the P_V0Bs in corresponding buffer memories. At this point, the size of the video buffer 96 needs to be larger than the sum of the sizes of the P_VOBs of the ASVU. For any reproduction device, a maximum value of the total data amount of the P_VOBs included in the ASVU is set to guarantee reproduction. The video buffer 96 in any reproduction apparatus needs to have a size that accommodates the maximum value. In this example, the maximum value of 2 MBytes. Since an I image is 100 to 200 Kbyte, 10 to 20 I images can be reproduced along with the audio information.

When all the P_VOBs forming the ASVU are fully powered to the decoder, the highlight decoder 95, the video decoder 87, and the sub picture decoder 98 do not perform a decoding operation. In order to store all the data with respect to the corresponding ASVU in the buffers before the audio data is reproduced, the highlight buffer 94, the video buffer 9.6, and the sub picture buffer 105 need to have a capacity of buffer greater than the buffer capacity specified by MPEG2 or video DVD. When all the P_VOBs are completely stored in the corresponding buffers, the decryption section of AV 85c and the audio decoder 100 are set to be in a decipherable state by the audio encryption mode in the PGC information search indicator. ATS 832 corresponding to the PGC information designated for the preparation of the audio data reproduction of the designated PGC. Then, the system control section 93 prepares the display of the motionless image. The system control section 93 determines the static ATS audio video playback information from the ATS ASV PBI home address of the audio program information.

When the still audio video display mode of the audio program information is "Browsable", the first DLIST of the immobile audio video playback information of ATS determines the first still image to be reproduced. When the still video video display mode is "SlideShow", the DLIST having the earliest display duration among a plurality of DLISTs of the ATS audio immobile video playback information in the range of audio programs to be reproduced is selected. When the DLIST is determined, the system control section 93 displays the still image, ie, the P_VOB designated by the DLV ASV number. Specifically, the system control section 93 delivers display control information of the still image information to the synchronization adjustment section 102 in the decoder section of AV 85c. The display control information includes a waiting period until the I image of the P_VOB to be updated is designated and its update is displayed. When the display control section is powered, the synchronization adjustment section 102 instructs the video decoder 87 to deliver the designated image I in the designated duration according to the display control information. Thus, the P VOB is shown. Unlike AOB and VOB, the P_VOB is delivered in the recorded viewing duration in a separate area. When the P_VOB display is started, the audio data designated by the audio program is played simultaneously. Simultaneously, the key operation by the user is accepted. The reproduction of the audio data designated by the audio program is performed as shown in Figure 63. First, the cell number (Cn) to be reproduced is determined by the ATS program information table and the information table of ATS cell reproduction. Here, since this is the beginning of the operation, the cell number is 1. When the cell type of the cell to be reproduced is a silent cell, the procedure is performed to reproduce a silent cell. This requires only the effective silent period corresponding to the period of silent cell reproduction. When the cell is not a silent cell, the cell is an audio cell. Therefore, the reproduction of the audio cell shown in Figure 65 is performed. In order to deliver the audio data from the header end of the audio cell, the AOB to be reproduced and its recording address are determined based on in the audio cell playback information, and a control signal is delivered to the mechanical control section 83 and to a signal processing section 84. Thus, the reproduction of the determined AOB is prepared. The read AOB of the optical disk is fed to the decryption section of AV 85c. Simultaneously, the system control section 93 gives an instruction indicating "play AOB" as a decode current instruction to the decoder section of AV 85c. The AOB is decrypted in an audio stream by means of the AOB system decoder 104 and fed into the audio buffer 99 and then into the audio decoder 100. Thus, the AOB is prepared to be delivered as audio data. Once the AOB has been prepared, the STC, which is a reference clock, of the synchronization adjustment section 102 is reset by means of the SCR of the AOB header packet, and the audio data in the AOB is delivered in the duration of the PTS stored in the packet header. When the output or delivery of the AOB is started, highlight information and sub-picture information for the header image I of the P_V0B and the menu items shown in the state of overlap with the header image I are decrypted and delivered. Although it is not guaranteed that all AOB packages include a PTS, audio decryption delivers the audio data while complementing the PTS.

When the immobile audio video display mode is "Browsable" while the audio data is being delivered and the DLIST display duration corresponding to the P_VOB being displayed reaches the PTS of the audio data being played, it is determined that the period of display of the still image has passed and thus the still image of the next DLIST is reproduced. When the immobile audio video display mode of the audio program is "SlideShow" and the audio program number of the next DLIST is not equal to the audio program number of the DLIST that is being played, it is determined not to there is no DLIST to be reproduced and thus the still image shown is continuously displayed. When the next DLIST is the same as the audio program number of the DLIST that is playing, the still image of the next DLIST is played when the display duration of the next DLIST reaches the PTS of the audio data that is being played. they are playing. Fig. 66 is a flow diagram illustrating the reproduction of the second and last immobile image. First, the DLIST termination transition mode of the immobile image that is being displayed is acquired. When the termination transition mode is "no transition", the display is terminated. When the termination transition mode is not "non-transition", that is, when the transition effect is designated, the motionless image is erased by the designated transition. The designated transition is, for example, fading, by which the color gradually becomes lighter. It should be noted that the transition effect can be ignored or replaced with another effect unless the reproduction apparatus has an ability to perform the designated effect. When the immobile image shown is cleared, the transition mode of the DLIST's start section of the next still image is acquired. When the transition mode is "no transition", the next still image is displayed immediately. When the transition mode is not "non-transition", that is, when the transition effect is designated, the next immobile image is shown with an effect. Thus, the immobile images are changed. At this point, the highlight information and sub-picture information already read in the buffer are decrypted as well as the video information included in the P VOB. The process in response to key operations by the user is performed as shown in Figure 64. When the key operation accompanies a change of the audio program, that is, when the key operation is for "NextProgram" ( playback of the next audio program), "PrevProgram" (playback of the previous audio program), the reproduction of the designated audio program, the playback of the audio program by an order after the menu is retrieved, or a change of the cell of audio, the audio cell of the audio program to be played is changed and the process is performed to play the audio cell (figure 65). When the key operation by the user is for a change of only the motionless image, that is, the key operation is for "NextDLIST" (display of the next DLIST), "PrevDLIST" (previous motionless image display), or display of the designated DLIST, the designated motionless image is selected and the process for reproducing the motionless image is performed only when the motionless video display mode of the motionless image designated is "Browsable" (figure 66). In response to other key operations, the designated operation is performed without changing the audio output or the still image output. Such operations include viewing the playback status and changing the time display mode. To play another current (VOB) such as menu recall, the audio output and the still image display is terminated and the apparatus is switched to decipher the VOB.

Thus, all the titles are reproduced and the operation stops. Depending on the specific arrangement of the DVD player or DVD, only one title can be played before the operation is stopped, or a menu can be displayed after the reproduction of one or more titles has been completed. Hereinafter, the control of the video decoder and video buffer made by the synchronization setting section 102 will be further described. Since the data of a still image is already stored in the buffer, the image display motionless is handled based on the position in the buffer in which the immobile image of the designated cell of the designated program is recorded or based on the ordinal number (ie, first, second, etc.) of the still image with regarding the beginning.

When the handling is performed based on the position in the buffer memory, the data is sent to the video decoder 87 from the designated address in the video buffer 96 and is shown by an instruction of the synchronization adjustment section. 102 When the handling is performed based on the ordinal number of the motionless image, the data stored in the buffer 96 from its header end is sent to the video decoder 87 and the display is changed when the designated ordinal number is reached. When the still image is changed, visualization effects can be added by designating the transition mode. The time to change the still image can be designated on a program-by-program basis before and after the display of the still image. However, in the case where the reproduction apparatus does not have a special effect display function, the still image can simply be changed by ignoring the display effects. In a synchronous mode ("SlideShow"), the audio data is decrypted by means of the audio decoder 100, and the still image, highlight and sub-picture are reproduced according to the "display duration". The synchronization adjustment section 102 compares the system reference time and the "display duration" from the system control section 93 and controls the synchronization. In this case, the change of only the display by the user is prohibited. "SlideShow" is used effectively, for example, to display the lyrics along with the music and display a still image in a moving image. In the asynchronous mode (Browsable), the audio data is not synchronized and reproduced separately from the highlight data, the sub picture data and the still image data. The highlight data, the subpicture data and the still image data are synchronized with each other, and the audio data is continuously reproduced in real time based on the system time information. The still image is changed in the asynchronous mode by means of user operation and order. The operations of the user are basically, for example, a continuous playback operation of audio programs while feeding display list (DLIST) forward, backward or ^ to the header end; and a feeding operation of both the audio program and the display list (DLIST) simultaneously forward, backward or to the header end. The order has similar functions. In this case, the "display duration" is considered as the period of continuous display of the still image. When the user interaction is not generated during the "display duration" period, an immobile image is displayed based on the following DLIST. "Browsable" is effectively used, for example, to display photos in a changing way at the time the music is playing and various types of information are displayed including an explanation about the music and information about the people involved., in a changing way. Synchronous mode and asynchronous mode are changed according to the image program playback control. The immobile audio video display mode of the audio program information may be designated so that some of the audio programs included in the audio title are randomly selected and repeated a designated number of times or that such audio programs Repeat a designated number of times prohibiting repetition of the same program (messy mode). The decryption section of AV 85c can have other structures. As shown in Fig. 67, the system decoders for AOB, P_V0B and VOB can be replaced with a single system decoder 109 having the functions of these decoders. Since the AOB is powered at different times from the P_VOB and VOB, a decoder of the system that is practically the same as that specified by video DVD is usable only the buffering capabilities of the buffer jumper 94, the buffer video 96 and the sub-picture buffer 105 are increased and a handling mechanism for a motionless image is added for the control of video buffer 96. A decryption section of AV 85d shown in FIG. 67 operates from virtually the same way as the decoding section of AV 85c shown in Figure 61. As shown in Figure 68, the buffer of P_VOB 106 for the P_V0B can be provided immediately before the decryption section of AV 85d. The same type of AV decoder section can be used as that used by video DVD. All the data of P_V0B to be read before the reproduction of the audio data is stored in the buffer of P_VOB 106. The buffer of P__V0B 106 dynamically simultaneously sends the P_V0Bs corresponding to the playback order with the audio stream and sends the resulting data to the decryption section of AV 85d. Consequently, the system decoder 109 for AOB and P_V0B in the decryption section of AV 85d is required to have a processing speed that is slightly higher than the speed specified by the video DVD standards. It is required to provide streams to the decoder section of AV 85d so that the audio buffer 99 does not overflow. In the third example, as described above, the program playback information including the start time and reproduction period of each piece of audio data based on the start time of reproduction of the data - header audio in the MPEG2 stream is recorded in the driving region as a part of the playback control information. Therefore, an optical disc is provided for reproducing high quality digital audio data together with the video data in a restricted range of bit transfer rates. Moreover, a certain interval between audio reproductions can be maintained even in a cheap reproduction apparatus that does not include any video data reproduction function. This allows the creators of titles to create data easily. In "view that a plurality of still images, sub-picture and menu can be displayed synchronously or asynchronously from the high-quality audio data, a wide variety of visualizations become available." Many other modifications will be readily apparent to those with "average knowledge". in the matter without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. As a result, it is not intended that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the description as set forth herein, but rather that the claims be broadly construed.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION In accordance with the present invention, the reproduction order information defining the order of the video streams to be reproduced synchronously with an audio sequence is recorded in a recording medium. By changing the contents of the playback order information, the contents of the video streams reproduced synchronously with the audio sequence can be easily changed. This gives the title creators the freedom to create a variety of video streams for an audio stream, and gives the user the freedom to select a desired video stream from among a plurality of streams of video offered for a sequence. of audio In accordance with the present invention, information of the video reproduction mode on the recording medium is recorded. Whether or not it is possible to change the order of the video stream to be reproduced in synchronization with the audio sequence based on a user's interaction is adjusted by the information of the video playback mode. The information of the video playback mode enables the change of reproduction duration / reproduction period of the video stream to be reproduced synchronously with the audio sequence. Thus, the user can be offered two different types of video playback mode, namely "SlideShow" and "Browsable". According to the present invention, before the reproduction of the audio sequence, a video stream to be reproduced synchronously with the audio sequence is temporarily stored in the buffer provided in the reproduction apparatus. By guaranteeing the range of the reading recording medium for the buffer, reproduction by any reproduction apparatus is guaranteed. As a result, the title creators can easily assume the situation in which the titles are reproduced, which facilitates the production of titles. Therefore, high quality titles can be provided at low cost. In accordance with the present invention, a non-MPEG stream can be deciphered by means of an MPEG2 decoder. Thus, the reproduction apparatus can be provided at a lower cost.

Claims (21)

1. A data storage medium that has stored thereon: an audio sequence that includes at least one audio stream; at least one video stream; and reproduction control information for controlling the reproduction of the at least one audio stream and the at least one video stream, characterized in that the reproduction control information includes reproduction order information that defines the order of minus one video stream, between the at least one video stream stored in the data storage medium, to be played in synchronization with the audio stream.

A data storage means according to claim 1, further characterized in that the reproduction control information further includes information of the video playback mode indicating whether or not it is possible to change the order of the at least one current of video to be reproduced in synchronization with the audio sequence based on interaction coming from a user.

3. A data storage medium according to claim 1, further characterized in that the playback control information further includes information of the video playback mode indicating whether the playing time of the at least one video stream to be reproduced in synchronization with the audio sequence is defined or a period of reproduction of it is defined.

4. A data storage medium according to claim 1, further characterized in that the reproduction control information further includes reproduction order mode information that defines whether the at least one video stream, whose order is defined by the reproduction order information is reproduced randomly or sequentially.

5. A data storage medium according to claim 4, further characterized in that the reproduction order mode information indicates whether the at least one video stream is reproduced randomly while allowing overlap or randomization of the video stream. time overlap is prohibited.

6. A data storage medium according to claim 1, further characterized in that the audio sequence corresponds to at least one program, and the at least one video stream stored in the data storage medium is grouped into a base program to program.

7. An apparatus for reproducing information from a data storage medium having stored therein an audio sequence including at least one audio stream; at least one video stream; and reproduction control information for controlling the reproduction of at least one audio stream and at least one video stream, wherein the reproduction control information includes information of the reproduction order that defines the order of at least one. a video stream, between the at least one video stream stored in the data storage medium, which must be played in synchronization with the audio sequence, the apparatus comprises: a reading section for reading the audio sequence and the at least one video stream stored in the data storage medium; and a playback section for reproducing the at least one video stream in synchronization with the audio sequence in the order defined by the playback order information.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, further characterized in that the reproduction control information further includes information of the video playback mode which further indicates whether it is possible or not to change the order of the at least one video stream to be reproduced in synchronization with the audio sequence based on interaction from a user.

9. An apparatus according to claim 7, further characterized in that the reproduction control information further includes information of the video playback mode which indicates whether the reproduction duration of the at least one video stream to be reproduced in synchronization with the audio sequence is defined or defined. a period of reproduction of it.

An apparatus according to claim 7, further characterized in that the playback order control information further includes reproduction order mode information which further defines whether the at least one video stream, whose order is defined by means of of the reproduction order information, it is reproduced randomly or sequentially.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10, further characterized in that the information of the "playback order mode" indicates whether the at least one video stream is reproduced randomly while allowing superposition or randomization while allowing prohibits superposition 12.

An apparatus according to claim 7, further characterized in that the at least one video stream to be reproduced in synchronization with the audio sequence is temporarily stored in a buffer located in the reproduction apparatus before the reproduction of the audio sequence 13.

A method for reproducing information from a data storage medium that has stored therein an audio sequence that includes at least one audio stream; at least one video stream; and reproduction control information for controlling the reproduction of the at least one audio stream and the at least one video stream, wherein the reproduction control information includes reproduction order information that defines the order of minus one video stream, between the at least one video stream stored in the data storage medium, which must be reproduced in synchronization with the audio sequence, the method comprises the steps of: reading the audio stream and the at least one video stream stored in the data storage medium; and reproducing the at least one video stream in synchronization with the audio sequence in the order defined by the playback order information.

A method according to claim 13, further characterized in that the reproduction control information further includes information of the video playback mode indicating whether it is possible or not to change the order of the at least one video stream to be reproduced in synchronization with the audio sequence based on interaction coming from a user.

A method according to claim 13, further characterized in that the reproduction control information further includes information of the video playback mode indicating whether the playing time of the at least one video stream to be reproduced in synchronization with the audio sequence is defined or a reproduction period of the same is defined.

16. A method according to claim 13, further characterized in that the reproduction control information further includes reproduction order mode information that defines whether the at least one video stream, whose order is defined by the order information. of reproduction, it is reproduced randomly or sequentially.

A method according to claim 16, further characterized in that the reproduction order mode information indicates whether the at least one video stream is randomly reproduced while allowing superposition or randomness while prohibiting superposition.

18. A method according to claim 13, further characterized in that the at least one video stream to be reproduced in synchronization with the audio sequence is temporarily stored in a buffer located in the reproduction apparatus before the reproduction of the audio sequence.

19. A stored data storage medium with a first system current and a second system current to be reproduced in synchronization with each other, characterized in that:. the first system stream includes reproduction control information indicating the duration _ in which the first system stream is reproduced, and the second system stream is reproduced at the duration determined by information different from the information included in the second stream of the system.

20. An apparatus for reproducing a stored data storage medium with a first system stream and a second system stream to be reproduced in synchronization with each other, characterized in that the first system stream includes reproduction control information indicating the duration wherein the first system stream is reproduced, the apparatus comprises: a reading section for reading the first system stream and the second system stream stored in the data storage medium; and a deciphering section for deciphering the first system stream according to the reproduction control information, wherein the second system stream is decrypted according to a control signal provided from outside the decoding section.

21. A method for reproducing a stored data storage medium with a first system stream and a second system stream to be reproduced in synchronization with each other, wherein the first stream of. system includes reproduction control information indicating the duration in which the first system stream is reproduced, the method comprising the steps of: reading the first system stream and the second system stream stored in the data storage medium; and controlling the duration in which the first system stream is reproduced according to the reproduction control information; control the duration in which the second system current is reproduced according to information different from the information included in the second stream of the system.