JP4336737B2 - Information reproducing apparatus and method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information reproducing apparatus and method for reproducing a slide show, for example, and a technical field of a computer program that causes a computer to function as such an information reproducing apparatus.

  Digital cameras are becoming more popular. The user can view the image data captured by the digital camera relatively easily by displaying on a display provided in a personal computer or the like. Furthermore, the captured image data can be viewed using a slide show application that continuously displays a plurality of image data at regular intervals or at random intervals. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which image data, music data, and a slide show application for executing a slide show using the image data and music data are recorded on the same information recording medium. . By reproducing this information recording medium, a slide show can be displayed.

JP 2003-288094 A

  However, the contents of the slide show described above are limited to image data and music data recorded on the information recording medium. Also, the playback mode of the slide show is defined by programs recorded on the same information recording medium. For this reason, the slide show to be reproduced is not always suitable for the user's preference.

  The present invention has been made in view of, for example, the conventional problems described above. For example, an information reproducing apparatus and method capable of reproducing a suitable slide show, and a computer program that causes a computer to function as such an information reproducing apparatus. The issue is to provide.

(Information playback device)
In order to solve the above-described problem, the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention records image data, music data, and a first reproduction program for reproducing each of the image data and the music data as a slide show of the first aspect. Reading means for reading at least one of the image data, the music data, and the first reproduction program from the recorded information recording medium, and a first slide for reproducing each of the image data and the music data as a slide show of the second mode. A storage means for storing two reproduction programs, and a selection for selecting at least one of the first reproduction program and the second reproduction program as at least a main reproduction program that is actually used for reproducing the image data Means and the main reproduction program selected by the selection means Also comprises a reproduction means for the image data, reproduced as a slide show of the first aspect or the second aspect.

  According to the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention, image data (for example, JPEG image data, image data of other formats, image data extracted from MPEG moving image data, etc.) and music data are operated by the reading means. And the first reproduction program are acquired from the information recording medium. The first reproduction program is a slide program for reproducing image data and music data as a slide show in which the image data is continuously reproduced in accordance with the reproduction of the music data and as the slide show of the first mode. And it is recorded on an information recording medium with image data and music data.

  The information playback apparatus according to the present invention is a slide show in which image data is continuously played back in accordance with the playback of the music data, each of the image data and the music data, and is different from the first mode. Storage means for storing a second playback program for playback as a slide show of the above aspect.

  Then, by the operation of the selection unit, either one of the first reproduction program and the second reproduction program is selected as a main reproduction program that is actually used to reproduce at least the image data. Thereafter, at least image data is reproduced as a slide show using the selected main reproduction program by the operation of the reproduction means. At this time, the music data may be played back using the main playback program selected by the selection means, or may be played back using a secondary playback program not selected by the selection means.

  Specifically, for example, when the first playback program is selected as the main playback program by the selection means, at least image data is played back as a slide show of the first mode using the first playback program. At this time, the music data may be played back using the first playback program selected by the selection unit, or may be played back using the second playback program not selected by the selection unit. Good. On the other hand, for example, when the second playback program is selected as the main playback program by the selection means, at least image data is played back as a slide show of the second mode using the second playback program. At this time, the music data may be reproduced using the second reproduction program selected by the selection means, or may be reproduced using the first reproduction program not selected by the selection means. Good.

  In general, when the first reproduction program is recorded on the same information recording medium together with the image data and the music data, only the first reproduction program is used, and the image data and the music data are used as the slide show of the first mode. Often played. However, according to the present invention, it is possible to reproduce the image data and the music data as a slide show of the second mode different from the first mode using the second playback program different from the first playback program. it can. For this reason, it is possible to reproduce the image data and the music data as a slide show in a preferable mode as compared with the case where the first reproduction program recorded on the information recording medium is simply used.

  Then, which playback program is used to play back the image data and the music data as a slide show can be appropriately selected by the operation of the selection unit. For this reason, according to a user's taste, image data and music data can be reproduced as a slide show of a suitable mode.

  Furthermore, by appropriately updating the second reproduction program stored in the storage means, it is possible to reproduce the image data and the music data as a slide show in various modes.

  One aspect of the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention is a device that is not selected by the selecting unit when the image data and the music data are being reproduced by the main program selected by the selecting unit. When a main playback program is newly selected as the main program, the image data is played back by the newly selected main playback program, and the main playback program has been selected before being newly selected. The apparatus further comprises first control means for controlling the reproduction means to reproduce the music data according to the main reproduction program.

  According to this aspect, when the main reproduction program selected by the selection unit is changed from the first reproduction program to the second reproduction program or from the second reproduction program to the first reproduction program, the image is displayed. A reproduction program used for reproducing data is switched. On the other hand, a reproduction program used for reproducing music data cannot be switched. That is, the music data is reproduced using the previously selected reproduction program as it is. Thereby, even if the playback program is switched, there is an advantage that there is little or no unnatural switching of music data in which smooth connection of music is relatively important. On the other hand, since the playback mode of the image data can be switched, the image data and the music data can be played back as a slide show of various modes.

  In another aspect of the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the image data is reproduced by the main program selected by the selecting means, and each of the music data is reproduced by the sub reproducing program not selected by the selecting means. When a secondary playback program that has not been selected by the selection means is newly selected as the main program while the video data is being played, the image data and the music data are newly selected by the main playback program that has been selected. The apparatus further comprises second control means for controlling the reproduction means so as to reproduce each of them.

  According to this aspect, when the main reproduction program selected by the selection unit is changed from the first reproduction program to the second reproduction program or from the second reproduction program to the first reproduction program, the image is displayed. A reproduction program used for reproducing data is switched. On the other hand, a reproduction program used for reproducing music data cannot be switched. That is, the music data is reproduced using the previously selected reproduction program as it is. Thereby, even if the playback program is switched, there is an advantage that there is little or no unnatural switching of music data in which smooth connection of music is relatively important. On the other hand, since the playback mode of the image data can be switched, the image data and the music data can be played back as a slide show of various modes.

  More specifically, these two modes will be described. The first control means, when the image data and the music data are being reproduced by the first reproduction program, is selected by the selection means. Is selected as the new main program, the image data is reproduced by the second reproduction program, which is the main reproduction program, and the music data is reproduced by the first reproduction program. The playback means is controlled. The second control means is configured such that when the image data is reproduced by the second reproduction program and the music data is reproduced by the first reproduction program, the selection means performs the second reproduction program. Is selected as the new main program, the reproduction means is controlled to reproduce each of the image data and the music data by the first reproduction program which is the main reproduction program.

  On the other hand, when the image data and the music data are being played back by the second playback program, the first control means sets the first playback program as a new main program by the selection means. When selected, the playback means is controlled so that the image data is played back by the first playback program as the main playback program and the music data is played back by the second playback program. The second control means is configured such that when the image data is reproduced by the first reproduction program and the music data is reproduced by the second reproduction program, the selection means performs the second reproduction program. Is selected as the new main program, the reproduction means is controlled to reproduce each of the image data and the music data by the second reproduction program which is the main reproduction program.

  According to another aspect of the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention, there is further provided execution means for executing, in a background environment, a secondary reproduction program that is not selected by the selection means among the first reproduction program and the second reproduction program. Prepare.

  According to this aspect, even when the main reproduction program selected by the selection unit is changed from the first reproduction program to the second reproduction program or from the second reproduction program to the first reproduction program. The reproduction program can be switched relatively smoothly or in a relatively short time. Accordingly, it is possible to preferably continue the reproduction without causing a sense of incongruity in the reproduction of the image data and the music data as a slide show.

  In the aspect of the information reproducing apparatus including the execution unit as described above, the execution unit executes the sub reproduction program so that the processing load of the sub reproduction program is lighter than the processing load of the main reproduction program. You may comprise as follows.

  If comprised in this way, a subordinate reproduction | regeneration program can be run in a background environment, without affecting the reproduction | regeneration as a slide show of the image data and music data by a main reproduction | regeneration program.

  In another aspect of the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the storage means reproduces each of the image data and the music data read by the reading means as a slide show of the second aspect different from each other. 2 reproduction programs are stored, and the selection means selects one of the first reproduction program read by the reading means and the plurality of second reproduction programs stored in the storage means, Select as the main playback program.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to reproduce the image data and the music data as a slide show of various aspects.

(Information playback method)
In order to solve the above-described problem, the information reproduction method of the present invention records image data, music data, and a first reproduction program for reproducing each of the image data and the music data as a slide show of the first aspect. Reading means for reading at least one of the image data, the music data, and the first reproduction program from the recorded information recording medium, and a first slide for reproducing each of the image data and the music data as a slide show of the second mode. An information reproducing method in an information reproducing apparatus comprising storage means for storing two reproduction programs, wherein at least one of the first reproduction program and the second reproduction program reproduces at least the image data A selection process that is selected as a main playback program that is actually used in the selection process; By the main playback program being, and a reproduction means for reproducing at least the image data, as a slide show of the first aspect or the second aspect.

  According to the information reproducing method of the present invention, it is possible to receive the same benefits as the various benefits possessed by the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention described above.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention described above, the information reproducing method of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

(Computer program)
In order to solve the above problems, a computer program of the present invention is a computer program for reproduction control for controlling a computer provided in the above-described information reproducing apparatus of the present invention (including various aspects), A computer is caused to function as at least a part of the selection unit and the reproduction unit.

  According to the computer program of the present invention, the computer program is read from a recording medium such as a ROM, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a hard disk or the like for storing the computer program, and executed. Alternatively, the computer program Can be executed after being downloaded to a computer via communication means, the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention described above can be realized relatively easily.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention described above, the computer program of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

  In order to solve the above problems, a computer program product in a computer-readable medium clearly shows program instructions executable by a computer provided in the above-described information reproducing apparatus of the present invention (including various aspects thereof). The computer is caused to function as at least a part of the selection unit and the reproduction unit.

  According to the computer program product of the present invention, when the computer program product is read into a computer from a recording medium such as a ROM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or hard disk storing the computer program product, or, for example, by a transmission wave. If a certain computer program product is downloaded to a computer via communication means, the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention described above can be implemented relatively easily. More specifically, the computer program product may be composed of computer-readable code (or computer-readable instructions) that function as the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention described above.

  These effects and other advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the embodiments described below.

  As described above, according to the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the reading unit, the storing unit, the selecting unit, and the reproducing unit are provided. According to the information recording method of the present invention, the method includes a selection step and a reproduction step. According to the computer program of the present invention, the computer is caused to function as at least part of the selection means and the reproduction means. Therefore, a suitable slide show can be reproduced.

1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the basic structure of an information recording / reproducing apparatus in an example. 5 is a first flowchart conceptually showing a flow of a reproducing operation of the information recording / reproducing apparatus in the example. 6 is a second flowchart conceptually showing a flow of a reproducing operation of the information recording / reproducing apparatus in the example. It is a timing chart which shows notionally the mode of execution of an external program and an internal program. It is a timing chart which shows notionally the 1st mode of execution of an external program at the time of switching a program, and an internal program. It is a timing chart which shows notionally the 2nd mode of execution of an external program and an internal program at the time of switching a program. It is a block diagram which shows notionally the structure inside the information recording / reproducing apparatus which concerns on a modification. It is a block diagram which shows notionally the structure inside an information recording / reproducing apparatus when implement | achieving one specific example of reproduction | regeneration by an internal program among the reproduction | regeneration operations of the information recording / reproducing apparatus based on a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows notionally the flow of the specific example of the reproduction | regeneration by an internal program among the reproduction | regeneration operations of the information recording / reproducing apparatus based on a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the display screen which displays the number of sheets of image data, the performance time of music data, and the time required to display a slide show.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Memory card 102 Hard disk 103 Optical disk 111, 112, 113 Recording / reproducing part 200 Information recording / reproducing apparatus 301 Image selection part 302 Music selection part 310 Music analysis part 311 Special effect processing part 312 Encoder 313 Reproduction part 322 External program execution part 323 Internal program Execution unit 324 execution program switching unit 351 CPU
352 Memory 354 Internal program storage

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described for each embodiment in order with reference to the drawings.

(1) Basic Configuration First, an information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 as an embodiment according to the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the basic structure of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 in the example. The information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 has a function of recording data on the optical disc 100 and a function of reproducing data recorded on the optical disc 100.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 includes a memory card 101, a hard disk 102, an optical disc 103, a recording / reproducing unit 111, a recording / reproducing unit 112, a recording / reproducing unit 113, and a reproducing buffer 121. A reproduction buffer 122, a reproduction buffer 123, a recording buffer 131, a recording buffer 132, a recording buffer 133, an image designation unit 301, a music designation unit 302, an image decoder 303, and a music decoder. 304, a resolution conversion unit 305, a digital conversion unit 306, a digital conversion unit 307, an external image designation unit 308, an external music designation unit 309, an encoder 312, a playback unit 313, a program designation unit 321, External program execution unit 322, internal program execution unit 323, program switching unit 324, C And U351, is provided with a memory 352, an input unit 353.

  The memory card 101 constitutes a specific example of the “information recording medium” in the present invention, and includes, for example, a small-sized semiconductor memory such as a memory stick, an SD card, and a compact flash. For example, image data and music data are recorded on the memory card 101. Further, the memory card 101 stores an external program for reproducing image data and music data as a slide show.

  The hard disk 102 constitutes a specific example of the “information recording medium” in the present invention, and is a magnetic recording medium. In general, the hard disk 102 can record a larger amount of data than the memory card 101 and the optical disk 103. For example, image data and music data are recorded on the hard disk 102. Further, the hard disk 102 stores an external program for reproducing image data and music data as a slide show.

  The optical disc 103 constitutes one specific example of the “information recording medium” in the present invention, and includes, for example, a CD, a DVD, a Blu-ray Disc, an HD DVD, and the like. For example, image data and music data are recorded on the optical disc 103. Further, an external program for reproducing image data and music data as a slide show is recorded on the optical disc 103.

  Note that the external program need not be recorded on all of the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disk 103. That is, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment may use the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disc 103 in which no external program is recorded.

  The recording / reproducing unit 111 constitutes one specific example of the “reading unit” in the present invention, and is configured to be able to record and reproduce (or read) data with respect to the memory card 101.

  The recording / reproducing unit 112 constitutes one specific example of the “reading unit” in the present invention, and is configured to record and reproduce (or read) data on the hard disk 102.

  The recording / reproducing unit 113 constitutes one specific example of the “reading unit” in the present invention, and is configured to be able to record and reproduce (or read) data on the optical disc 103.

  The reproduction buffer 121 is configured to be able to temporarily record data reproduced from the memory card 101.

  The reproduction buffer 122 is configured to be able to temporarily record data reproduced from the hard disk 102.

  The reproduction buffer 123 is configured to be able to temporarily record data reproduced from the optical disc 103.

  The recording buffer 131 is configured to be able to temporarily record data to be recorded on the memory card 101.

  The recording buffer 132 is configured to be able to temporarily record data to be recorded on the hard disk 102.

  The recording buffer 133 is configured to be able to temporarily record data to be recorded on the optical disc 103.

  The image designation unit 301 is configured to be able to designate an acquisition destination of image data. Specifically, the image data is configured to be specified from any one of the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disk 103. When the memory card 101 is designated as an image data acquisition destination by a user instruction using the input unit 353 or by control of the CPU 351, the image designation unit 301 controls the recording / playback unit 111, thereby reproducing the buffer 121. The image data is acquired from the memory card 101 via When the hard disk 102 is designated as an image data acquisition destination by a user instruction using the input unit 353 or by control of the CPU 351, the image designation unit 301 controls the recording / playback unit 112, thereby setting the playback buffer 122. Image data is acquired from the hard disk 102. When the optical disc 103 is designated as an image data acquisition destination by a user instruction using the input unit 353 or under the control of the CPU 351, the image designation unit 301 controls the recording / playback unit 113, thereby setting the playback buffer 123. The image data is acquired from the optical disc 103 through the network. Note that the acquisition destination of the image data may be specified by a user instruction, or may be automatically specified under the control of the CPU 351.

  The music designation unit 302 is configured to be able to designate a music data acquisition destination. Specifically, it is configured so that it can be specified from any of the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disk 103 that the music data is acquired. If the memory card 101 is designated as a music data acquisition destination by a user instruction using the input unit 353 or under the control of the CPU 351, the music designation unit 302 controls the recording / playback unit 111, thereby reproducing the buffer 121. Music data is acquired from the memory card 101 via When the hard disk 102 is designated as a music data acquisition destination by a user instruction using the input unit 353 or under the control of the CPU 351, the music designation unit 302 controls the recording / playback unit 112, thereby setting the playback buffer 122. Music data is acquired from the hard disk 102. When the optical disc 103 is designated as a music data acquisition destination by a user instruction using the input unit 353 or by control of the CPU 351, the music designation unit 302 controls the recording / playback unit 113, so that the reproduction buffer 123 is set. Music data is acquired from the optical disc 103 through the network. Note that the music data acquisition destination may be specified by a user instruction, or may be automatically specified under the control of the CPU 351.

  The program specifying unit 321 is configured to be able to specify the acquisition source of the external program. Specifically, the external program is configured to be able to specify from which of the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disk 103. When the memory card 101 is designated as an external program acquisition source by a user instruction using the input unit 353 or under the control of the CPU 351, the program designating unit 321 controls the recording / playback unit 111, thereby reproducing the buffer 121. The external program is acquired from the memory card 101 via When the hard disk 102 is designated as an external program acquisition source by a user instruction using the input unit 353 or under the control of the CPU 351, the program designating unit 321 controls the recording / playback unit 112 to set the playback buffer 122. An external program is acquired from the hard disk 102 via the computer. If the optical disc 103 is designated as an external program acquisition source by a user instruction using the input unit 353 or under the control of the CPU 351, the program designating unit 321 controls the recording / playback unit 113 to set the playback buffer 123. Via the optical disc 103. Note that the acquisition destination of the external program may be specified by a user instruction, or may be automatically specified under the control of the CPU 351.

  The image decoder 303 is configured to be able to execute a decoding process corresponding to a coding method of the image data on image data acquired from at least one of the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disk 103. The decoded image data is output to the resolution conversion unit 305.

  In addition, when the image data is multiplexed with music data as an AV stream, the image decoder 303 extracts the image data by performing demultiplex processing on the AV stream, and the extracted It is preferable to perform a decoding process on the image data.

  Note that the image data in the present embodiment may be still image data such as JPEG or moving image data such as MPEG when acquired from the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, or the optical disk 103. . When moving image data is acquired, it is possible to extract still image data image data from the moving image data (for example, extract one picture, one frame, or one frame of moving image data) from the moving image data by the operation of the image decoder 303 as described above. It ’s enough.

  The music decoder 304 is configured to be able to execute a decoding process corresponding to the coding of the music data on the music data acquired from at least one of the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disk 103. The music data subjected to the decoding process is output to the external music designating unit 309.

  In addition, when the music data is multiplexed with image data as an AV stream, the music decoder 304 extracts the music data by performing demultiplex processing on the AV stream, and the extracted data It is preferable to perform a decoding process on music data.

  The resolution conversion unit 305 can execute conversion processing for converting the number of pixels of the image data into the number of pixels that can be recorded on the optical disc 103 with respect to the image data that has been decoded by the image decoder 303. It is configured.

  The digital conversion unit 306 is a data source external to the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 via the input terminal IN1 (in other words, a data source other than the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disc 103, for example, an external information recording medium, Information recording / reproducing apparatus for image data acquired from a server via a wired or wireless network, or an external input device such as a digital camera connected to the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 via a predetermined interface) A conversion process for converting into a digital signal that can be processed in the apparatus 200 is configured to be executable. The image data converted into the digital signal is output to the external image designating unit 308.

  If image data acquired from an external data source is a digital signal, the conversion process in the digital conversion unit 306 may not be executed.

  The digital conversion unit 307 is a data source external to the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 via the input terminal IN2 (in other words, a data source other than the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disc 103, for example, an external information recording medium, Information recording / reproducing apparatus for music data acquired from a server via a wired or wireless network, or an external input device such as a digital camera connected to the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 via a predetermined interface) A conversion process for converting into a digital signal that can be processed in the apparatus 200 is configured to be executable. The music data converted into the digital signal is output to the external image designating unit 309.

  If the music data acquired from the external data source is a digital signal, the conversion process in the digital conversion unit 307 may not be executed.

  Whether the external image designation unit 308 creates a slide show using image data acquired from the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disc 103, or creates a slide show using image data acquired from an external data source Can be specified. When it is designated to create a slide show using image data acquired from the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disc 103 by a user instruction using the input unit 353 or under the control of the CPU 351, the external image designation unit 308. Outputs the image data acquired from the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disk 103 to the external program execution unit 322 or the internal program execution unit 323. On the other hand, when it is designated that a slide show is to be created using image data acquired from an external data source by a user instruction using the input unit 353 or under the control of the CPU 351, the external image designation unit 308 The image data acquired from the data source is output to the external program execution unit 322 or the internal program execution unit 323. This designation may be configured to be designated by a user instruction, or may be designated automatically under the control of the CPU 351.

  Whether the external music designating unit 309 creates a slide show using music data acquired from the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disk 103, or creates a slide show using music data acquired from an external data source Can be specified. When it is designated to create a slide show using music data acquired from the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disc 103 according to a user instruction using the input unit 353 or under the control of the CPU 351, the external image designation unit 309. Outputs music data acquired from the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disc 103 to the external program execution unit 322 or the internal program execution unit 323. On the other hand, when it is specified that a slide show is to be created using music data acquired from an external data source by a user instruction using the input unit 353 or under the control of the CPU 351, the external image specifying unit 309 The music data acquired from the data source is output to the external program execution unit 322 or the internal program execution unit 323. This designation may be configured to be designated by a user instruction, or may be designated automatically under the control of the CPU 351.

  The external program execution unit 322 executes an external program recorded on at least one of the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disc 103. As a result, the reproduction effect as a slide show in the form specified by the external program is defined for each of the image data output from the external image specifying unit 308 and the music data output from the external music specifying unit 309. Each of the image data and the music data for which the reproduction effect as the slide show is defined is output to the encoder 312 and the reproduction unit 313, respectively.

  The internal program execution unit 323 executes an internal program recorded in the memory 352. As a result, the reproduction effect as a slide show in the form specified by the internal program is defined for each of the image data output from the external image specifying unit 308 and the music data output from the external music specifying unit 309. Each of the image data and the music data for which the reproduction effect as the slide show is defined is output to the encoder 312 and the reproduction unit 313, respectively.

  The execution program selection unit 324, together with the CPU 351, constitutes one specific example of the “selection unit” in the present invention. It is selected whether to execute the program or the internal program execution unit 323 executes the internal program. In other words, the external program execution unit 322 or the internal program execution unit 323 selects which of the image data and the music data defines the playback effect as a slide show. When the execution program selection unit 324 selects that the external program execution unit 322 executes the external program, the external program execution unit 322 defines the reproduction effect as a slide show for each of the image data and the music data. . On the other hand, when the execution program selection unit 324 selects that the internal program execution unit 323 executes the internal program, the internal program execution unit 323 performs a reproduction effect as a slide show for each of the image data and the music data. Stipulate.

  The encoder 312 receives image data and music data recorded on the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, or the optical disc 103, and encodes them by a coding method corresponding to the format of the recording medium at the recording destination, for example. For example, when recording image data and music data on a DVD, which is a specific example of the optical disc 100, encoding by the MPEG compression method allows independent image data and music data to be converted into a DVD-VIDEO format or DVD-, respectively. It is converted into a multiplexed MPEG-TS signal or MPEG-PS signal conforming to the VR format. By reproducing the MPEG-TS signal or the MPEG-PS signal, it is possible to reproduce image data and music data as a slide show in a mode defined by the external program execution unit 322 or the internal program execution unit 323. Similarly, when encoding by another coding method, encoding is performed so that image data and music data can be reproduced in a manner defined by the external program execution unit 322 or the internal program execution unit 323.

  The encoded image data and music data are output to the recording / playback unit 111, 112, or 113 via the recording buffer 131, 132, or 133, and recorded on the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, or the optical disc 103.

  The reproduction unit 313 constitutes one specific example of “reproduction means” in the present invention together with the external program execution unit 322 and the internal program 323 described above, and the image data and music data for which the reproduction effect is defined are displayed as a slide show. For example, it is configured to be reproducible on an external output device. For example, image data and music data for which a playback effect is specified may be converted into a playback signal for playback as a slide show on an external output device, or image data for which a playback effect is specified for an external output device In addition, an instruction to reproduce the music data as a slide show may be output.

  The CPU 351 controls the entire information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 by giving an instruction to each unit included in the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200. Usually, software or firmware for operating the CPU 351 is stored in the memory 352.

  The memory 352 constitutes a specific example of “storage means” in the present invention, and is used in the entire data processing in the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200. In addition, the memory 352 stores a ROM area in which a program (that is, firmware) for operating as a recorder device is stored, and variables necessary for temporarily storing data and operations such as a firmware program. For example, a RAM area.

  The memory 352 further includes an internal program storage unit 354 for recording an internal program for reproducing image data and music data as a slide show. The internal program recorded in the internal program storage unit 354 is read and executed by the internal program execution unit 323 as necessary.

  The input unit 353 includes various controllers such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, operation buttons, and a remote controller, and is configured to be able to input user instructions to the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200.

(2) Reproduction Operation Next, the operation principle of the reproduction operation of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a first flowchart conceptually showing a flow of the reproducing operation of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a reproduction of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment. 4 is a second flowchart conceptually showing the flow of operation, FIG. 4 is a timing chart conceptually showing an execution mode of the external program and the internal program, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a timing chart conceptually showing a first mode of execution of the internal program, and FIG. 6 is a timing chart conceptually showing a second mode of execution of the external program and the internal program when the programs are switched.

  In the following description, the playback operation of the information recording / playback apparatus 200 will be described by taking, as an example, an operation of defining the playback effect of image data such as JPEG and playing back the image data as a slide show. Such an operation is performed, for example, when image data recorded on the memory card 101 by a digital camera or the like is reproduced as a slide show.

  In the following description, an operation of reading image data, music data, and an external program from any one of the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disk 103 will be described. Specifically, an operation for reading image data, music data, and an external program from the optical disc 103 will be described. Of course, image data, music data, and an external program may be read from any of the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disk 103. Further, the memory card 101, the hard disk may be read from a data source other than the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disk 103. 102 and the optical disk 103 may be read.

  In addition, in this embodiment, it is preferable that each of the image data, the music data, and the external program is read from the same recording medium.

  As shown in FIG. 2, it is determined whether an external program is recorded on the optical disk 103 under the control of the CPU 351 (step S101).

  As a result of the determination in step S101, if it is determined that no external program is recorded on the optical disc 103 (step S101: No), the process proceeds to * 3 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined as a result of the determination in step S101 that an external program is recorded on the optical disc 103 (step S101: Yes), subsequently, based on a user instruction using the input unit 353, or Under the control of the CPU 351, it is determined whether image data and music data are reproduced as a slide show using an external program (step S102).

  As a result of the determination in step S102, when it is determined that the image data and the music data are reproduced as a slide show using an external program (step S102: Yes), the operation of the execution program selection unit 324 under the control of the CPU 351 causes The external program execution unit 322 is selected to execute the external program read from the optical disc 103. Thereby, the reproduction effect of image data and music data is prescribed | regulated using an external program, and image data and music data are reproduced | regenerated as a slide show in the aspect according to the reproduction effect prescribed | regulated by the external program (step S103).

  At this time, the CPU 351 constituting one specific example of the “execution unit” in the present invention controls the internal program execution unit 323 so that the internal program recorded in the internal program storage unit 354 is executed in the background environment. It is preferable to do. Specifically, as shown on the left side of FIG. 4, when the external program is mainly executed, the internal program is executed in the background environment (in other words, without affecting the execution of the external program). Is done. Specifically, the internal program does not perform processing with a relatively high load such as decoding processing of image data, and performs the minimum processing (for example, music) to define the reproduction effect of image data and music data. It is preferable to perform an update process of the number of images included in the image data, an identification process of the currently reproduced image, and the like along the data reproduction time axis.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not to end the reproduction operation (step S104). For example, it is determined whether or not all of the image data and music data to be reproduced have been reproduced, or whether or not the user has issued an instruction to end reproduction using the input unit 353.

  As a result of the determination in step S104, when it is determined that the reproduction operation is to be terminated (step S104: Yes), the reproduction operation is terminated.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S104, if it is determined not to end the reproduction operation (step S104: No), subsequently, based on a user instruction using the input unit 353 or under the control of the CPU 351. Then, it is determined whether or not to switch the program (step S105). That is, image data and music data are currently reproduced as a slide show using an external reproduction program recorded on the optical disc 103, but image data and music data are reproduced using an internal program recorded in the internal program storage unit 354. It is determined whether or not to play as a slide show.

  As a result of the determination in step S105, if it is determined not to switch the program (step S105: No), the process returns to step S103, and reproduction of the image data and music data using the external program as a slide show is continued.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S105, if it is determined that the program is to be switched (step S105: Yes), a program for reproducing the image data by the operation of the execution program selection unit 324 controlled by the CPU 351 is The internal program recorded in the program storage unit 354 is switched (step S106). Thereafter, the image data is reproduced by an internal program.

  At this time, under the control of the CPU 351 that constitutes one specific example of the “first control means” and “second control means” in the present invention, an external program recorded on the optical disc 103 is recorded on the optical disc 103. The program cannot be switched. That is, the image data is reproduced by the internal program, while the music data is reproduced by the external program. In other words, while the music data is reproduced by the external program, the reproduction effect of the image data is defined by the internal program according to the music data reproduced by the external program. However, the program for reproducing the music data may be switched to the internal program recorded in the program storage unit 354 by the operation of the execution program selection unit 324 under the control of the CPU 351.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to * 1, and reproduction of the image data as a slide show using the internal program is continued.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S102, when it is determined not to reproduce the image data and music data as a slide show using an external program (step S102: No), the execution program selection unit 324 controlled by the CPU 351 The operation selects the internal program execution unit 323 to execute the internal program read from the internal program storage unit 324. Thereby, the reproduction effect of the image data and the music data is defined using the internal program, and the image data and the music data are reproduced as a slide show in a manner corresponding to the reproduction effect defined by the internal program (step S107).

  At this time, the CPU 351 constituting one specific example of the “execution means” in the present invention preferably controls the external program execution unit 322 so that the external program recorded on the optical disc is executed in the background environment. . Specifically, as shown on the right side of FIG. 4, when the internal program is mainly executed, the external program is executed in the background environment (in other words, without affecting the execution of the internal program). Is done. Specifically, the external program does not perform processing with a relatively high load such as decoding processing of image data, and the minimum processing (for example, music) is required to define the reproduction effect of image data and music data. It is preferable to perform an update process of the number of images included in the image data, an identification process of the currently reproduced image, and the like along the data reproduction time axis.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not to end the reproduction operation (step S108). For example, it is determined whether or not all of the image data and music data to be reproduced have been reproduced, or whether or not the user has issued an instruction to end reproduction using the input unit 353.

  As a result of the determination in step S108, when it is determined that the reproduction operation is to be terminated (step S108: Yes), the reproduction operation is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S108 that the reproduction operation is not to be ended (step S108: No), subsequently, based on a user instruction using the input unit 353 or under the control of the CPU 351. Then, it is determined whether or not to switch the program (step S109). That is, image data and music data are currently reproduced as a slide show using an internal reproduction program recorded in the internal program storage unit 354, but image data and music data are reproduced using an external program recorded on the optical disc 103. It is determined whether or not to play as a slide show.

  As a result of the determination in step S109, when it is determined not to switch the program (step S109: No), the process returns to step S107, and reproduction of the image data and music data using the internal program as a slide show is continued.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S109, if it is determined that the program is to be switched (step S109: Yes), a program for reproducing the image data by the operation of the execution program selection unit 324 under the control of the CPU 351 is performed. The program is switched to an external program recorded on the optical disc 103 (step S110). Thereafter, the image data is reproduced by an external program.

  At this time, a program for reproducing music data is recorded in the internal program storage unit 354 under the control of the CPU 351 constituting one specific example of the “first control unit” and the “second control unit” in the present invention. Can not be switched in the internal program. That is, the image data is reproduced by the external program, while the music data is reproduced by the internal program. In other words, while the music data is reproduced by the internal program, the reproduction effect of the image data is defined by the external program according to the music data reproduced by the internal program. However, the program for reproducing the music data may be switched to the external program recorded on the optical disc 103 by the operation of the execution program selection unit 324 that is controlled by the CPU 351.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to * 2, and reproduction of the image data as a slide show using the external program is continued.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 3, when it is determined in step S101 of FIG. 2 that no external program is recorded on the optical disc 103, the internal program is controlled by the operation of the execution program selection unit 324 under the control of the CPU 351. The program execution unit 323 is selected to execute the internal program read from the internal program storage unit 324. Thereby, the reproduction effect of image data and music data is prescribed | regulated using an internal program, and image data and music data are reproduced | regenerated as a slide show in the aspect according to the reproduction effect prescribed | regulated by the internal program (step S201).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not to end the reproduction operation (step S202). For example, it is determined whether or not all of the image data and music data to be reproduced have been reproduced, or whether or not the user has issued an instruction to end reproduction using the input unit 353.

  As a result of the determination in step S202, when it is determined that the reproduction operation is to be ended (step S202: Yes), the reproduction operation is ended.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S202, when it is determined not to end the reproduction operation (step S202: No), the process returns to step S201, and reproduction of the image data and music data using the internal program as a slide show is continued. Is done.

  Here, the operation when switching programs will be described more specifically with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when each of image data and music data is reproduced using an external program, an instruction to switch the program (that is, an instruction to switch to the internal program) is given. explain. In this case, by switching the program for reproducing the image data, the image data is reproduced by the internal program, while the program for reproducing the music data is not switched, and the music data is reproduced by the external program.

  Thereafter, when an instruction to switch the program again (that is, an instruction to switch to the external program) is made, the program for reproducing the image data is switched as shown in FIG. Each piece of data is played by an external program.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6A, when each of the image data and the music data is reproduced using the internal program, an instruction to switch the program (that is, an instruction to switch to the external program) is given. The case will be described. In this case, by switching the program for reproducing the image data, the image data is reproduced by the external program, while the program for reproducing the music data is not switched, and the music data is reproduced by the internal program.

  Thereafter, when an instruction to switch the program again (that is, an instruction to switch to the internal program) is given, the program for reproducing the image data is switched as shown in FIG. Each piece of data is played back by an internal program.

  As described above, according to the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, the image data and the music data are reproduced as a slide show using the external program recorded on the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disc 103. It is possible to appropriately select and switch whether to reproduce image data and music data as a slide show using an internal program recorded in the internal program storage unit 354. In general, when an external program is recorded on the same recording medium together with image data and music data, the image data and music data are often reproduced as a slide show using only the external program. However, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reproduce image data and music data as a slide show having a mode different from the mode of the slide show defined by the external program, using an internal program different from the external program. For this reason, image data and music data can be reproduced as a slide show of a suitable mode.

  Then, which playback program is used to play back the image data and the music data as a slide show can be automatically selected according to a user instruction or according to the control of the CPU 351. For this reason, according to a user's taste, image data and music data can be reproduced as a slide show of a suitable mode.

  In addition, by appropriately updating the internal program recorded in the internal program storage unit 354, the image data and the music data can be reproduced as slideshows in a wide variety of modes.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, when an instruction to switch the program is given, it is not necessary to switch the program for reproducing the image data and to switch the program for reproducing the music data. As a result, even if the program is switched, unnatural switching of music data, where the smooth connection of music is relatively important (specifically, sudden changes in the music being played, skipping, noise, etc.) Generation etc.) has the advantage that little or no. On the other hand, since the playback mode of the image data can be switched, the image data and the music data can be played back as a slide show of various modes.

  Further, in this embodiment, when one of the external program and the internal program is actually used for reproduction of the image data and the music data, the other of the external program and the internal program is used. The program may be run in the background environment. As a result, even when an instruction to switch the program is given, the program can be switched relatively smoothly or in a relatively short time. Accordingly, it is possible to preferably continue the reproduction without causing a sense of incongruity in the reproduction of the image data and the music data as a slide show.

  In particular, a program executed in the background environment has a relatively low load compared to a program actually used for reproducing image data and music data. Thereby, the above-described various benefits can be enjoyed while executing the program in the background environment without adversely affecting the reproduction of the image data and the music data as a slide show.

  Since the recording operation in the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment is described in the description of the block diagram of FIG. 1, the details thereof are omitted. However, the flow of the recording operation is almost the same as the reproducing operation. In other words, the image data and music data for which the reproduction effect is specified are encoded in the operation of the encoder 312, and then the image data and music data are recorded on the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disk 103. The

  At this time, it is preferable that the image data and the music data are converted into the format of the optical disk 103 to be recorded or the like (in this embodiment, in particular, DVD), and the image data and the music data are recorded on the optical disk 103. As a result, the image data and the music data can be reproduced as a slide show with any device capable of reproducing the optical disc 103 on which the image data and the music data are recorded. In other words, a special device (for example, a personal computer or the like) for executing a dedicated program for performing a slide show using image data and music data without using a dedicated program for performing a slide show using image data and music data. The image data and the music data can be reproduced relatively easily as a slide show by using a player for the optical disc 103. Of course, when image data and music data are recorded on other recording media, the same benefits can be obtained by performing the same operation.

  According to the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, the recording operation and the reproducing operation are performed in parallel (that is, the image data and the music data are recorded while reproducing the image data and the music data as a slide show). )be able to. At this time, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment includes reproduction buffers 121, 122, and 123 and recording buffers 131, 132, and 133, respectively. For this reason, if one recording medium capable of recording and reproducing operations at double speed or higher is used, the reproduced image data and other recording media are reproduced while reproducing, for example, image data from the one recording medium. It is also possible to record the music data recorded on the same recording medium while defining the reproduction effect.

(3) Modified Example Next, an information recording / reproducing apparatus 200a according to a modified example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram conceptually showing the internal structure of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200a according to the modification. The same components as those of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200a according to the modified example has a memory card 101, a hard disk 102, an optical disk 103, and a recording / reproducing unit, similarly to the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment described above. 111, a recording / playback unit 112, a recording / playback unit 113, a playback buffer 121, a playback buffer 122, a playback buffer 123, a recording buffer 131, a recording buffer 132, and a recording buffer 133 , Image designation unit 301, music designation unit 302, image decoder 303, music decoder 304, resolution conversion unit 305, digital conversion unit 306, digital conversion unit 307, external image designation unit 308, external music A designation unit 309, an encoder 312, a playback unit 313, a program designation unit 321, and an external program execution unit 22, an internal program execution unit 323, a program switching unit 324, and a CPU 351, a memory 352, an input unit 353.

  Particularly in the modified example, the memory includes a plurality of internal program storage units 354a, 354b, and 354c. Different internal programs are recorded in the plurality of internal program storage units 354a, 354b, and 354c, respectively. Specifically, for example, the slide show mode by the internal program stored in the internal program storage unit 354a, the slide show mode by the internal program stored in the internal program storage unit 354b, and the internal program storage unit 354c. Each is different from the slide show mode by the internal program.

  Thereby, since a desired program can be selected from a plurality of internal programs, image data and music data can be reproduced as slideshows in a wider variety of modes.

(4) Specific Example of Reproduction by Internal Program Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, a specific example of reproduction by the internal program in the reproduction operation of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. To do. FIG. 8 conceptually shows the internal configuration of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 when realizing a specific example of reproduction by the internal program in the reproducing operation of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart conceptually showing a flow of one specific example of reproduction by the internal program in the reproduction operation of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a display screen for displaying the number of images, the performance time of music data, and the time required to display a slide show.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when realizing a specific example of the reproduction by the internal program among the reproduction operations of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, a logical operation block is so-called in the internal program execution unit 323. It is formed. Specifically, in the internal program execution unit 323, the music analysis unit 310 and the special effect processing unit 311 are formed as logical operation blocks.

  The music analysis unit 310 displays music characteristics (specifically, the tempo of each music included in the music data, phrases, and other musical characteristics) included in the music data output from the external music designating unit 309. It is configured to be analyzable. The analysis result is output to the special effect processing unit 311.

  The special effect processing unit 311 is configured to be able to specify the reproduction effect of the image data output from the external image designating unit 308 according to the analysis result (that is, the characteristics of the music data) output from the music analysis unit 310. Yes. A specific method for defining the reproduction effect will be described in detail later. The image data and the music data for which the reproduction effect is defined are output to the encoder 312 and the reproduction unit 313.

  Hereinafter, a specific operation of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 having the configuration shown in FIG. 8 will be described.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, based on a user instruction using the input unit 353, first, an image data acquisition destination is specified by operations of the image specifying unit 301 and the external image specifying unit 308, and the specified acquisition is performed. The image data to be acquired from the destination is designated (step S301).

  A plurality of image data acquisition destinations may exist. That is, it may be configured such that certain image data is acquired from the memory card 101 and another image data is acquired from the hard disk 102. Thereby, a slide show including a wider variety of images can be realized.

  Subsequently, under the control of the CPU 351, the number of images included in the designated image data is calculated (step S302).

  In parallel, the operation of the image designating unit 302 and the external music designating unit 309 designates the music data acquisition destination and the music data to be acquired from the specified acquisition destination (step S303).

  A plurality of music data acquisition destinations may exist. That is, it may be configured such that some music data is acquired from the memory card 101 and another music data is acquired from the hard disk 102. Thereby, a slide show including a wider variety of music can be realized.

  Further, the music data acquisition source may be the same as or different from the image data acquisition source.

  Subsequently, under the control of the CPU 351, the playing time of music included in the designated music data is calculated (step S304).

  Thereafter, under the control of the CPU 351, the slide show was reproduced using the designated image data and music data based on the number of images calculated in step S302 and the music performance time calculated in step S304. A display screen indicating the time required for the case is displayed on a display or the like connected to the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 (step S305).

  The display screen will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, on the display screen, for example, the number of music pieces and performance time included in the designated music data, the number of images contained in the designated image data, and the like are displayed. Specifically, from the left part of the display screen, the user recognizes that the music included in the specified music data is 3 songs and the number of images included in the specified image data is 45. be able to. The user can recognize from the top of the right portion of the display screen that the playing time of the music included in the designated music data is 10 minutes 15 seconds.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, when the images included in the designated image data are continuously displayed at predetermined time intervals, the time required for displaying all the images is displayed on the display screen. The Specifically, when 45 images included in the designated image data are continuously displayed at intervals of 5 seconds from the right side of the display screen, the time required to display the 45 images is 3 The user can recognize that the time is 45 minutes. When 45 images included in the designated image data are continuously displayed at 10-second intervals, the user recognizes that the time required to display 45 images is 7 minutes 30 seconds. can do. When 45 images included in the designated image data are continuously displayed at intervals of 15 seconds, the user recognizes that the time required to display the 45 images is 11 minutes 15 seconds. can do.

  The user may select the display interval of the image included in the image data using the input unit 353 based on this time display. Alternatively, it may be instructed to increase / decrease the number of designated images, change the designated image, increase / decrease the number of songs in the designated music, or change the designated music. For example, change of at least one of the designated image data and music data so that the performance time of the music included in the designated music data and the time required for displaying the image contained in the designated image data are substantially the same ( That is, selection of new image data or music data) may be instructed.

  In addition, the user may use the input unit 353 to specify the playback order of images included in the image data. At this time, one image may be reproduced a plurality of times at different timings. Similarly, the user may specify the playback order of music included in the music data.

  In FIG. 9 again, after the time display, it is determined whether or not at least one of the designated image data and music data is to be changed under the control of the CPU 351 (step S306). In other words, whether or not the user gives an instruction to change at least one of the designated image data and music data, or the performance time of the music included in the designated music data and the designated image data In other words, it is determined whether or not the CPU 351 is instructed to automatically change at least one of the image data and the music data so that the time required to display the image included in the image is substantially the same.

  In addition to or instead of the determination in step S306, the display time per image is obtained by dividing the music performance time included in the specified music data by the number of images included in the specified image data. The image may be calculated and the image may be continuously displayed at the calculated display time interval. As a result, the display of the image included in the image data can be ended simultaneously with the end of the reproduction of the music included in the music data without changing the designated image data and music data.

  As a result of the determination in step S306, when it is determined that at least one of the designated image data and music data is to be changed (step S306: No), the process returns to step S301 and step S303, and at least the image data and the music data are again displayed. One is specified.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S306 that at least one of the designated image data and music data is not to be changed (step S306: Yes), the image designated in step S301 and step S303 is subsequently performed. Data and music data are acquired (step S307).

  Subsequently, the obtained image data and music data are decoded by the operations of the image decoder 303 and the music decoder 304 (step S308).

  Subsequently, the music feature included in the acquired music data is analyzed by the operation of the music analysis unit 310 (step S309). Specifically, what is the tempo of each music included in the music data (or what kind of tendency or distribution is shown), what is the phrase of each music ( Or, what kind of tendency or distribution is indicated), how other musical features are (or what kind of tendency or distribution is indicated), etc. are analyzed.

  Subsequently, by the operation of the special effect processing unit 311, the image data (specifically, the image included in the image data) is converted based on the characteristics of the music analyzed in step S 309 (that is, the analysis result of the music data). A reproduction effect is defined (step S310).

  Specifically, for example, the display of the image included in the image data may be switched according to the tempo of the music included in the music data. Specifically, for example, when displaying an image according to music with a fast tempo, the image is switched in a relatively short time (in other words, the display time per image is shortened), When an image is displayed in accordance with music with a slow tempo, the image is switched in a relatively long time (in other words, the display time per image is lengthened).

  In addition, for example, a display effect added to an image included in the image data in accordance with the music tempo included in the music data (for example, movement of the display position of the image, rotation of the image, change in the luminance of the image, The color change time etc.) may be set. Specifically, for example, when an image is displayed according to music with a fast tempo, the display effect time may be set short. That is, for example, in a relatively short time, the display position of the image may be moved, the image may be rotated, the luminance of the image may be changed, or the color of the image may be changed. On the other hand, when displaying an image in time with music with a slow tempo, the display effect time may be set longer. That is, for example, the display position of the image may be moved, the image may be rotated, the luminance of the image may be changed, or the color of the image may be changed over a relatively long time.

  Or you may switch the display of the image contained in image data according to the phrase of the music contained in music data, for example. Specifically, for example, the image display may be switched for each phrase, the image display may be switched for every several phrases, or a plurality of images may be displayed for each phrase.

  Or you may set the time of the display effect added to the image contained in image data according to the phrase of the music contained in music data, for example. Specifically, for example, for each phrase, the display position of the image may be moved, the image may be rotated, the brightness of the image may be changed, or the color of the image may be changed. For example, the display position of the image may be moved, the image may be rotated, the brightness of the image may be changed, or the color of the image may be changed every several phrases. Alternatively, for example, the display position of the image may be moved, the image may be rotated, the brightness of the image may be changed, or the color of the image may be changed based on the time of one phrase.

  Thereafter, by the operation of the reproduction unit 313, the image included in the acquired image data is reproduced while realizing the reproduction effect defined in step S310 in accordance with the reproduction of the music included in the acquired music data. (Step S311). That is, the acquired image data and music data are reproduced as a slide show.

  Subsequently, under the control of the CPU 351, it is determined whether there is image data or music data to be acquired next (in other words, newly acquired) (step S312). For example, when acquiring image data from each of the memory card 101 and the hard disk 102, the above-described processing is first performed on the image data acquired from the memory card 101, and subsequently acquired from the hard disk 102. The above-described processing is performed on the image data. The same applies to music data.

  As a result of the determination in step S312, when it is determined that image data or music data to be acquired next exists (step S312: Yes), the process returns to step S307, and new image data or music data is acquired. Then, the processing after step S308 is performed on the newly acquired image data or music data.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S312 that there is no image data or music data to be acquired next (step S312: No), the image data and music specified in steps S301 and S303 are determined. It is found that the processing from step S307 to step S311 has been performed on all the data. That is, it is found that all the image data and music data specified in steps S301 and S303 are reproduced as a slide show. Therefore, in this case, the reproduction operation is terminated.

  As described above, according to one specific example of the reproduction by the internal program, the image included in the acquired image data while realizing the specified reproduction effect in accordance with the reproduction of the music included in the acquired music data. Can be played.

  In particular, according to a specific example of playback by an internal program, the characteristics of the acquired music data are analyzed in real time (that is, every time music data is acquired), and the playback effect of the image data is defined according to the analysis result can do. That is, since the reproduction mode of the image data reproduced together with the music data is not limited in advance, it is possible to enjoy the great advantage that the image data can be reproduced in accordance with the reproduction of the music data in a wider variety of modes. it can.

  In addition, the image data and the music data may be acquired from a desired recording medium among a plurality of recording media without limiting the data source to the same recording medium. In other words, the acquisition destination of the image data and the music data may not be limited in advance. Therefore, the music data and the image data can be acquired from a desired data source by the user. Therefore, a wider variety of slide shows can be played. That is, it is possible to reproduce a wide variety of images while realizing a variety of defined reproduction effects in accordance with the reproduction of a wider variety of music.

  Furthermore, since the playback order of images can be freely specified, a slide show more suited to the user's preference can be played.

  In the above-described embodiment, the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disk 103 are described as an example of the information recording medium, and the memory card 101, the hard disk 102, and the optical disk 103 are described as an example of the information reproducing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to these recording media and their players, but can be applied to other various information recording media and players corresponding to high-density recording or high transfer rates.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist or concept of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and information reproduction accompanied by such changes is possible. Apparatuses and methods, and computer programs are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The information reproducing apparatus and method and the computer program according to the present invention can be used for an information reproducing apparatus for reproducing a slide show, for example. Further, for example, the present invention can also be used for an information reproducing apparatus that is mounted on or can be connected to various computer equipment for consumer use or business use.

Claims (7)

Image data, music data, and the image data, the music data, and the first data from an information recording medium on which a first reproduction program that reproduces each of the image data and the music data as a slide show of the first aspect is recorded. Reading means for reading at least one of the reproduction programs of one;
Storage means for storing a second reproduction program for reproducing each of the image data and the music data as a slide show of the second mode;
Selecting means for selecting any one of the first reproduction program and the second reproduction program as a main reproduction program actually used for reproducing the image data;
Replay means for replaying the slide show of the first aspect or the second aspect while replaying at least the image data by the main replay program selected by the selection means ,
When each of the image data and the music data is being played back by the main program selected by the selection means, a secondary playback program that is not selected by the selection means is newly selected as the main program. The image data is reproduced by the newly selected main reproduction program, and the music data is reproduced by the main reproduction program selected before the main reproduction program is newly selected. further comprising an information reproducing apparatus according to claim Rukoto a first control device for controlling the reproducing means.   When the image data is reproduced by the main program selected by the selection means and each of the music data is reproduced by the secondary reproduction program not selected by the selection means, the selection means When a secondary playback program that has not been selected is newly selected as the main program, the playback means is controlled so that each of the image data and the music data is played back by the newly selected main playback program. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising second control means.   3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an execution unit that executes, in a background environment, a secondary reproduction program that is not selected by the selection unit among the first reproduction program and the second reproduction program. The information reproducing apparatus described.   4. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the execution unit executes the sub reproduction program so that a processing load of the sub reproduction program is lighter than a processing load of the main reproduction program. . The storage means stores a plurality of the second reproduction programs for reproducing each of the image data and the music data read by the reading means as a slide show of the second aspect different from each other,
The selection means selects one of the first reproduction program read by the reading means and the plurality of second reproduction programs stored in the storage means as the main reproduction program. The information reproducing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the information reproducing apparatus is characterized in that: Image data, music data, and the image data, the music data, and the first data from an information recording medium on which a first reproduction program that reproduces each of the image data and the music data as a slide show of the first aspect is recorded. An information reproducing apparatus comprising: a reading unit that reads at least one of one reproduction program; and a storage unit that stores a second reproduction program for reproducing each of the image data and the music data as a slide show according to a second mode. An information reproduction method,
A selection step of selecting any one of the first reproduction program and the second reproduction program as at least a main reproduction program that is actually used for reproducing the image data;
Replay means for replaying the slide show of the first aspect or the second aspect while replaying at least the image data by the main replay program selected in the selection step ;
When each of the image data and the music data is being reproduced by the main program selected in the selection step, a subordinate reproduction program not selected in the selection step is newly selected as the main program. The image data is reproduced by the newly selected main reproduction program, and the music data is reproduced by the main reproduction program selected before the main reproduction program is newly selected. further comprising an information reproducing method comprising Rukoto a first control step of controlling the reproducing device to.   A computer program for reproduction control for controlling a computer provided in the information reproduction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the computer is used as at least part of the selection unit and the reproduction unit. A computer program characterized by functioning.

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