DESCRIPTION
RECORDING/REPRODUCING APPARATUS, AND ASSOCIATED CONTENT
DISPLAY CONTROL METHOD
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a recording/reproducing apparatus and a
display control method thereof.
BACKGROUND ART
The "background" description provided herein is for the purpose of generally
describing the context of the invention. Work of the presently named inventors
described in this description, as well as aspects of the description which may not
otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly
admitted as prior art against the present invention.
Heretofore, a very compact portable type recording/reproducing apparatus
having a small recording medium built therein such as a semiconductor memory has
come into wide use.
Such a portable type recording/reproducing apparatus can make data
communication with an information processor such as a personal computer, and can
download musical data stored in the information processor to accumulate therein the
musical data thus downloaded.
At this time, the musical data on the information processor side is managed by
dedicated application software. That is to say, such dedicated application software is
installed in the information processor side, whereby fetching of the musical piece data
from a Compact Disc (CD) or the like and editing of the musical piece data (e.g.,
classification of the musical piece data in albums, production of a playlist, etc.) can be
readily performed. Some applications each include a function of downloading the
musical piece data stored in the information processor into the recording/reproducing
apparatus side. Thus, a user can simply download the musical piece data from the
information processor into the recording/reproducing apparatus by performing an
operation in accordance with guidance displayed on a screen by the application.
Now, in such a portable type recording/reproducing apparatus, the large
capacity promotion has progressed in terms of a storage capacity as well for the musical
piece data along with the recent large capacity promotion for the recording medium.
For example, even in the portable type recording/reproducing apparatus including a
semiconductor memory as a recording medium, a storage capacity of about several
hundred megabytes (MB) to about several gigabytes (GB) can be secured. Along with
this, the musical piece data of about several hundred files of music to about one
thousand files of music can be accumulated in some cases. In a case where a large
quantity of musical piece data is stored in such a manner, when all the musical piece
data is made objects of reproduction and thus the musical piece data is usually
reproduced in the same order of music, there is the possibility that it takes time for the
user to retrieve his/her favorite music or he/she grows tired of the reproduction in the
same order.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The present invention provides a recording/reproducing apparatus including a
reproducing section configured to reproduce data from a recording medium in which at
least content data and its additive data are recorded. A control section is configured to
display a plurality of pieces of selection candidate object information in correspondence
to content data, sequentially for a predetermined time on a display portion when a
shuffle reproduction mode is selected.
In a further aspect of the invention, a display control method for a
recording/reproducing apparatus is provided. A shuffle reproduction mode is selected.
A plurality of selection candidate object information is sequentially displayed in
correspondence to content data recorded in the reproducing apparatus for a
predetermined period of time.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description of the invention
and the following detailed description are exemplary, but are not restrictive, of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant
advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by
reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the
accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a high level block diagram of a recording/reproducing system
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an information
processor according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a contents management application of the
information processor according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram of a structure of the contents management
application of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a diagram of an order list for reproduction times;
FIG. 6 is a diagram of an artist link list;
FIG. 7 is a diagram of a released year list;
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an internal structure of a recording/reproducing
apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 9A and 9B are respectively external views of the recording/reproducing
apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a diagram of reproducing (receiving) functions of the
recording/reproducing apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 11 is a diagram of an operation procedure of functions of the
recording/reproducing apparatus are selected from a function selection screen;
FIGS. 12A to 12D are diagrams of an artist reproducing function;
FIGS. 13A to 13C are diagrams of an album reproducing function of the
exemplary embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 14A to 14F are diagrams of image changes of My Favorite Shuffle
reproduction;
FIGS. 15 A to 15G are diagrams of image changes during Artist Link Shuffle
reproduction of the exemplary embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 16Ato 16F are diagrams of Time Machine Shuffle reproduction of the
exemplary embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 17A to 17E are diagrams of Sports Shuffle reproduction of the
exemplary embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 18 is a flow chart of a processing operation of the My Favorite Shuffle
reproduction phase according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 19 is a flow chart of an Artist Link Shuffle reproduction phase according
to the exemplary embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 20 is a flow chart of a processing operation to the Time Machine Shuffle
reproduction phase according to the exemplary embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 21 is a diagram of a sequential display in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 22 is a diagram of a data structure of data stored in a
recording/reproducing apparatus side of the exemplary embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 23 A and 23D are diagrams of display examples when execution of a part
of the reproducing functions is made impossible in accordance with the exemplary
embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 24is a flow chart of a function of coping with a conventional application
as an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described
in detail.
In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for designating the same
elements through the several figures. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a
recording/reproducing system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, the recording/reproducing system 1 of this embodiment
includes at least a recording/reproducing apparatus 2, a personal computer 3, a server
apparatus 4, a network 5, and an optical disc 100.
The exemplary recording/reproducing apparatus 2 is a portable device. In
addition, a configuration in which a semiconductor memory, such as a flash memory, is
utilized as a recording medium for.
In addition, the personal computer 3 is an information processor in the present
invention and can make data communication with the recording/reproducing apparatus
2 through a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable for example. In addition, the personal
computer 3 can also make data communication with an external apparatus (the server
apparatus 4) which is connected to the personal computer 3 through the network 5.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of wireless and hard wire
technology exist for effectuating the communications described herein, which are
embraced by the present invention.
In operation, an application of the invention is discussed, such that in the
recording/reproducing system 1 of this embodiment, contents data which is fetched
from the optical disc 100 in the personal computer 3 is downloaded into the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 for reproduction.
In this case, it is assumed that the optical disc 100 is a music Compact Disc
(CD), or like media, and the contents data is audio data.
While the details will be described later, application software (a contents
management application 30a) for making the use form of the recording/reproducing
system 1 of this embodiment possible is installed in the personal computer 3.
The exemplary contents management application 30a is an application for
collectively managing the fetching of the contents data from the optical disc 100, the
edit of the fetched contents data, and the downloading of the contents data into the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2.
For example, the user can perform the fetching of the contents data from the
optical disc 100 to the personal computer 3, the edit of the fetched contents data (e.g.,
the classification of the contents data in albums, the production of a playlist, the
deletion of the contents data, etc.), and the like by activating the contents management
application 30a to perform an operation in accordance with an instruction issued from
the contents management application 30a.
In addition, the contents management application 30a is provided with a
function of, when the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 is connected to the personal
computer 3, downloading the contents data accumulated in the personal computer 3 side
into the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side in accordance with the operation.
In addition, the contents management application 30a is also provided with a
function of compressing and encoding the contents data fetched from the optical disc
100 to record the resulting data in the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 by using a
predetermined compression encoding system such as an Adaptive Transform Acoustic
Coding (ATRAC) system or an MPEG Audio Layer 3 (MP3) system. In this way,
more contents data can be recorded in the recording/reproducing apparatus 2.
Moreover, additive information of the contents, such as a musical name (track
name), a recorded album name, and an artist name, which is fetched from the optical
disc 100 can be acquired by the contents management application 30a.
Here, the additive information on the recorded music has been acquired based
on the information extracted from the optical disc 100. For example, information on
the number of tracks (the number of musical works), addresses of the tracks (absolute
time information), the total musical performance time, etc. is recorded as Table Of
Contents (TOC) data of the CD. While normally, that information becomes the same
data in the CDs having the same title, it may be hardly occur that all the pieces of
information agree with one another in the CDs having different titles. Consequently,
the code specific to the CD title can be generated from the TOC data. Thus, a musical
piece information database in which the additive information for each track of each title
is stored in correspondence to the specific code is constructed, whereby the additive
information on the recorded music can be acquired from the database based on the
specific code generated from the CD as an object.
In this case, it is supposed that the musical piece information database is
constructed in the server apparatus 4 connected to the network 5 as shown in the figure
(the musical piece information database 4a in the figure). The contents management
application 30a generates the above-mentioned specific code based on the TOC data in
the installed optical disc 100 in accordance with an instruction to fetch the contents data
from the installed optical disc 100. Then, an access is secured to the server apparatus
4 to refer to the musical piece information database 4a with the specific code as the
retrieval condition, thereby acquiring the additive information corresponding to the
contents data recorded in the installed optical disc 100.
After this, management information is generated so that the contents data
fetched from the optical disc 100 and the acquired additional information are managed
so as to be made to correspond to each other.
The technique for acquiring the additive information corresponding to the
contents data recorded in the optical disc 100 from the musical piece information
database in such a manner has already been well known, and thus a description of the
detailed operation thereof is omitted in this specification.
In addition, in the exemplary embodiment, the description has been given with
respect to the case where the musical piece information database 4a is structured in the
server apparatus 4 connected to the personal computer 3 through the network 5.
However, the musical piece information database 4a may also be constructed so that the
personal computer 3 includes all of or a part of the musical piece information database
4a.
The contents data which is accumulated in the personal computer 3 side in the
manner as described above and to which the additive infonnation is made correspond is
downloaded into the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 and recorded in the recording
medium built in the recording/reproducing apparatus 2. As a result, the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 can reproduce the contents data recorded in the
recording medium and also can display the additive infonnation such as the track name,
the album name and the artist name on the contents data.
Configuration of Infonnation Processor
FIG. 2 is a high level block diagram showing an internal configuration of the
personal computer 3 shown in FIG. 1.
Referring to FIG. 2, firstly, a CPU 21 performs the overall control and
arithmetic operation processing of the personal computer 3 in accordance with an
activated program. For example, the CPU 21 perfonns an input/output operation for a
user, storage of a data file in an HDD 30, generation and update of management
information, etc.
The CPU 21 makes an exchange of control signals and data with individual
portions through a bus 36 shown in FIG. 2.
A memory portion 22 inclusively shows a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory and
the like which the CPU 21 uses in executing the processing.
An operation program of the CPU 21, a program loader, and the like are stored
in the ROM in the memory portion 22. In addition, various kinds of arithmetic
operation coefficients, parameters used in the program, and the like are stored in the
flash memory in the memory portion 22.
Moreover, a data area and a task area which are used when the program is
executed are temporarily secured in the RAM in the memory portion 22.
A Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface 23 is provided in order that the
personal computer 3 may make data communication with the external apparatus
connected to the personal computer 3 through a USB cable. In particular, the various
kinds of data such as the audio data are transmitted/received to/from the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 2 through the USB interface 23 in this
case.
The storage of the data file, and the generation, update and the like of the
management information are performed in the HDD 30 in accordance with the control
made by the CPU 21 in the manner as described above.
For example, the contents data fetched from the optical disc 100 in the manner
as described with reference to FIG 1 is stored in the HDD 30. In addition, as has
already been described too, the contents data in this case is managed in correspondence
to the additive information acquired from the musical piece information database 4a.
In such a manner, the contents management information used to manage the contents
data is also recorded in the HDD 30. In this embodiment, the contents data and
contents management information which are recorded in the HDD 30 are shown in the
form of the contents database 30b.
In addition, a program (application) in accordance with which the personal
computer 3 realizes the various kinds of functions is also stored in the HDD 30.
In particular, in the case of this embodiment, the contents management
application 30a for managing the contents data in the manner described with reference
to FIG. 1 as well is stored in the HDD 30. At that, the various kinds of function
operations which are realized by the contents management application 30a will be
described later.
An input portion 25 is a keyboard, a mouse, a remote commander, or any other
suitable input device (not shown) which is provided in the personal computer 3. The
user performs the various kinds of operation inputs or data inputs through the input
portion 25. The information inputted through the input portion 25 is subjected to
predetermine processing in an input processing portion 24 and transmitted as an input of
the operation or data to the CPU 21. The CPU 21 performs the necessary arithmetic
operation or control in correspondence to the information inputted thereto.
A media drive 29 is a drive function portion corresponding to a recording
media such as an optical disc such as a CD, a Mini Disc (MD: magneto-optical disc), a
CD-Recordable (CD-R), a CD-Re Writable (CD-RW), a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), a
DVD-R, or a DVD-RW, or a memory card (a semiconductor memory device as a
removable media). The media drive 29 can perform a recording/reproducing operation
about these media. For example, when the media drive 29 copes with a CD system
disc media such as the optical disc 100 of this embodiment, the media drive 29, for
example, is provided with an optical head, a spindle motor, a regenerative signal
processing portion, a servo circuit, and the like.
A drive control portion 28 controls a recording/reproducing operation, an
access operation, and the like about the media installed in the media drive 29. For
example, when the user performs a reproducing operation for the media installed in the
media drive 29 through the input portion 25, the CPU 21 instructs the drive control
portion 28 to reproduce the media. Then, the drive control portion 28 performs the
control for instructing the media drive 29 to carry out an access operation and a
reproducing operation. The media drive 29 sends the read-out reproduced data to the
bus 36 through the drive control portion 28.
An audio data processing portion 33 subjects the audio data inputted thereto to
sound field processing or sound volume adjustment such as equalizing, and processing
such as D/A conversion and amplification in accordance with the control made by the
CPU 21 and outputs the resulting data to the outside through a speaker portion 34.
For example, when the audio data read out by the media drive 29, or the audio
data (contents data) stored in the HDD 30 is reproduced, the audio data is processed in
the audio data processing portion 33 and the resulting data is then outputted to the
outside through the speaker portion 34.
Incidentally, the contents data stored in the contents database 30b within the
HDD 30 is compressed and encoded by using the predetermined compression and
encoding system in some cases. In such cases, after the compressed and encoded data
is decoded in a compression encoding decoding portion 35 which will be described
later, the resulting data is supplied to the audio data processing portion 33.
A display device 27 is one such as a liquid crystal panel, and displays thereon
the various kinds of information for the user.
For example, when the CPU 21 supplies the display information to a display
processing portion 26 in correspondence to the various kinds of operation states, input
states and communication states, the display processing portion 26 drives the display
device 27 based on the display data supplied thereto to instruct the display device 27 to
perform the display operation.
In addition, when the video data is reproduced from the media installed in the
media drive 29 or from the HDD 30, the display processing portion 26 executes the
signal processing for the reproduced data, and drives the display device 27 based on the
resulting signal to instruct the display device 27 to perform the video display.
A communication processing portion 31 executes encoding processing for
transmission data and decoding processing for received data in accordance with the
control made by the CPU 21.
A network interface 32 transmits the transmission data which is encoded in the
communication processing portion 31 to the predetermined apparatus, e.g., the server
apparatus 4 through the network 5 shown in FIG. 1. In addition, the network interface
32 delivers the signal which is transmitted thereto from the external apparatus such as
the server apparatus 4 through the network 5 to the communication processing portion
31.
The communication processing portion 31 transfers the received information to
the CPU 21.
The compression encoding decoding portion 35 compresses and encodes the
audio data transmitted thereto by using the predetermined compression encoding
system, and executes the decoding processing for the audio data which is compressed
and encoded by using the predetermined compression encoding system.
While the compression encoding decoding portion 35 is structured in the form
of hardware in this embodiment, the operation of the compression encoding decoding
portion 35 may be realized by executing software processing in the CPU 21.
At that, the configuration of the personal computer 3 is not limited to one
shown in FIG. 3, and thus the various kinds of configurations may also be adopted.
For example, a configuration may be adopted which includes a terminal for use
in connection of a microphone or an external headphones, a video I/O terminal
corresponding to the recording/reproduction in the DVD, a line connection terminal
(Sony/Phillips Digital Interface), an SPDIF terminal, and the like.
Function of Contents Management Application
FIG. 3 shows functions which are realized by the contents management
application 30a shown in FIG. 2. It should be noted that in the figure, of the functions
realized by the contents management application 30a, the functions relating to
realization of the operation in terms of this embodiment are shown, and any of other
functions is omitted here.
As shown in the figure, a contents fetching function, an additive information
acquiring function, a function of counting the number of the reproduction times, a
function of generating the various kinds of lists, and a contents downloading function
are provided as the main functions realized by the contents management application
30a.
The contents fetching function is a function of fetching the contents data
recorded in the optical disc 100 in the HDD 30.
That is, as the contents fetching function, the CPU 21 instructs the drive
control portion 28 to read out the contents data from the optical disc 100 in response to
that the optical disc 100 is installed in the media drive 29, and an instruction to fetch the
contents data from the optical disc 100 is issued. In this connection, after supplying
the data read out from the optical disc 100 in accordance with the instruction to the
compression encoding decoding portion 36 and subjecting the data to the compression
encoding decoding processing, the CPU 21 issues an instruction to record the resulting
data in the HDD 30.
In addition, it is supposed that as the contents fetching function, a track of
which is to be fetched is selected from among the contents data which is recorded in
pieces of music (in tracks) in the optical disc 100.
The additive information acquiring function, for example, is a function of
acquiring the additive information of the contents data from the musical piece
information database 4a within the server apparatus 4 connected to the personal
computer 3 through the network 5 as shown in FIG. 1 and of managing the additive
information thus acquired in correspondence to the recorded contents data.
In acquiring the additive information, the CPU 21 generates the specific code
as previously described based on the TOC data (the number of tracks (the number of
pieces of music), addresses of the tracks (absolute time information), and the total
musical performance time) in the installed optical disc 100 in accordance with an
instruction to fetch the contents data in the installed optical disc 100, and the like.
In addition, along with this, the CPU 21 instructs the communication
processing portion 31 to establish the connection with the server apparatus 4.
As previously stated too, the additive information on the tracks which are
recorded in the CDs having the titles in correspondence to the specific code of the
respective titles is stored in the musical piece information database 4a. The CPU 21
transmits the command together with the specific code to the server apparatus 4 the
connection to which is established, thereby issuing an instruction to refer to the musical
piece information database 4a with the specific code as the retrieval condition. In
response thereto, the additive information for each track stored in the musical piece
information database 4a in correspondence to the specific code is sent as reply from the
server apparatus 4 side. As a result, the personal computer 3 acquires the additive
information corresponding to the respective contents data recorded in the installed
optical disc 100.
After this, the CPU 21 generates (or updates) the contents management
information so that the contents data (respective tracks) fetched from the optical disc
100 by the contents fetching function and the acquired additive information are
managed so as to made correspond to each other, thereby managing the contents data.
FIG. 4 conceptually shows a data staicture of the contents management
information generated in this case.
As shown in FIG. 4, as regards the additive information which is to be made
correspond to the respective contents data in this embodiment, there are a plurality of
information on a track name, a reading kana of a track name, an artist name, a reading
kana of an artist name, an album name, a reading kana of an album name, a genre, the
number of reproduction times, a released year, and a related artist.
Of them, the individual information other than "the number of reproduction
times" becomes the additive information which is acquired from the musical piece
information database 4a in the manner as described above. Incidentally, the
information on "the number of reproduction times" is one which is generated in the
personal computer 3 by the function of counting the number of the reproduction times
as will be described later. The information on "the number of reproduction times" will
be described later.
In FIG. 4, "track name" is information which is to be made correspond to the
contents data forming one track, and is information on a title of a musical piece which is
performed by reproducing the contents data thereof.
In addition, "reading kana of track name" is information which is used when
the information on the track names is sorted in the order of the Japanese syllabary, and
is information in which the reading of the track name is described with Cursive
Japanese characters or katakana characters. Incidentally, in the following items as
well, "reading kana" becomes information in which the reading of the individual items
is described with Cursive Japanese characters or katakana characters.
-In addition, "artist name" is name information on an artist who sings, plays,
composes, writes the words of, and produces the musical piece as the track. Also,
"album name" is a name of a music album (a single in some cases) in which the musical
piece concerned is recorded.
Moreover, "genre" is information representing a name of a musical genre (e.g.,
pops music, rock music, jazz music, a popular song with a melody of traditional
Japanese type, etc.) to which the musical piece concerned belongs. "Released year" is
information on a year when the musical piece concerned was released (put on the
market).
In addition, "related artist" is name information on an artist who is determined
as being related to the artist concerned.
For example, when a certain artist name called "A" is a name of a band and
individual members of the band called "A" release as solos as well a CD to the
customers, the names of these members may become the information on the related
artist of the band called "A".
In addition, when an artist called "C" released his/her CD in the past under the
production by an artist called "D", and the artist himself/herself, called "D", who
produced the CD also released his/her CD to the customers in the past, the name "D" of
the artist may become the information on the related artist of the artist "C".
The CPU 21 generates the contents management information such that the
information on a contents ID is made correspond to these pieces of additive information
in the manner as shown in the figure.
The contents ID is an identifier which is used to uniquely identify the contents
data as the tracks stored in the HDD .30a. That is, the correspondence between the
tracks and these pieces of additive information is realized based on such
correspondence.
At that, i,t is supposed that in this embodiment, the information on these
"reading kanas" is acquired from the musical piece information database 4a. However,
the information on these "reading kanas" may also be generated on the personal
computer 3 side based on these pieces of the information on the track name, the artist
name, and the album name.
For example, if dictionary data is used in which the information on the reading
kanas about the track name, the artist name, and the album name is previously stored,
the personal computer 3 can acquire the information on the reading kanas about these
items.
Referring back to FIG. 3, the function of counting the number of reproduction
times is a function of counting the number of times by which the contents data is
reproduced and of making the information on the number of the reproduction times
correspond as the additive information on the contents data to the contents ID of the
contents data.
As the function of counting the number of reproduction times, the CPU 21
executes the processing of, whenever the contents data stored in the HDD 30 is
reproduced, increasing a value of the number of the reproduction times which is made
correspond to the contents ID of the contents data in the contents management
information shown in FIG. 4.
As a result, the number of the reproduction times of the contents data is
managed.
Incidentally, while the information on the number of the reproduction times is
used as an index for guessing which music a user usually listens to by taste, at this time,
there is the possibility that the results which do not cover the user's taste are obtained
depending on how to define the reproduction. For example, if it is contained in
"reproduction" that the contents data is reproduced even in an instant, even the music
which is actually listened and judged not to be taste to be skipped by the user is treated
as being "reproduced". Thus, in this respect, that information may not be treated as
information to which the user's taste is taily reflected. In consideration of this respect,
it is preferable that a device is made to truly reflect the user's taste to that information in
such a manner that the fact that the music is not skipped over equal to or longer than a
predetermined period of time is made the condition for "reproduction" in the function of
counting the number of reproduction times, and so forth.
In addition, as for the function of counting the number of reproduction times,
the number of the reproduction times may be not only increased, but also decreased.
For example, the music which is skipped within a predetermined period of time may be
regarded as being judged not to be taste by the user, and a value of the number of the
reproduction times of that music may be decreased by a predetermined value.
In addition, in FIG. 3, the function of generating various kinds of lists is a
function of generating the various kinds of lists required to realize the various kinds of
reproducing functions in the reading/reproducing apparatus 2 which will be described
later.
In this case, an order list for reproduction times, an artist link list, a released
year list, and a play list are generated as the various kinds of lists.
Of them, the playlist, as previously stated, is a list with one or a plurality of
tracks arbitrarily selected by the user as a unit. That is to say, the playlist is a list
which the user manually issues an instruction to generate.
On the other hand, each of other lists is a list which is automatically generated
by the contents management application 30a in order to be submitted for realization of
the various kinds of reproducing functions in the recording/reproducing apparatus 2
which will be described later.
Firstly, the order list for reproduction times is a list which is obtained by
sorting the tracks in the order of the number of the reproduction times in a manner as
shown in FIG. 5. That is to say, the tracks can be managed in the order of decreasing
the number of the reproduction times by this list.
In generating the order list for reproduction times, the CPU 21 generates the
list which is obtained by sorting the track names and the information on the contents ID
made to correspond thereto in the order of decreasing the number of the reproduction
times based on the contents management information shown in FIG. 4. The order list
for reproduction times which is generated in such a manner, for example, is stored in the
HDD 30.
In addition, the artist link list is a list which is used when the reproduction is
performed with all the tracks (pieces of music) of a certain artist and a predetermined
related artist who is regarded as being related to this artist as one reproduction object
range. For example, making reference to the previous example, all the tracks of the
artist "A" as the band and all the tracks of the individual members of that band are
regarded as the reproduction object range, and under this condition the reproduction is
performed.
The artist link list is generated such that a unit by "the artist + the related artist"
as described above is formed every artist name. The list is generated in the manner as
described above and a certain artist is selected in a manner as will be described later,
whereby it is possible to select the unit by the certain artist and the related artist.
FIG. 6 shows a structure of such an artist link list.
In the figure, "key Arts" ("Art" is an abbreviated name of an artist) represented
by key Artl, key Art2, etc. become information on "artist names" in the contents
management information shown in FIG. 4. In other words, the information on all artist
names existing within the contents management information shown in FIG. 4 is
arranged in a first hierarchy in this artist link list.
It should be noted that as described above too, the artist link list is generated so
that selecting a certain artist makes it possible to select a unit by the certain artist and
the related artist. In this meaning, in this embodiment, the information on the artist
name ranked in the first hierarchy is represented by "key Art".
Information on the key Art and information on a related artist of the key Art
(related Art) are arranged every key Art ranked in the first hierarchy in a second
hierarchy next to the first hierarchy in which the information on the individual artist
names as the key Art is arranged. That is, the information on the artist names as key
Art in the first hierarchy, and the information which is stored as "related artist" in
correspondence to the information on that artist name in the contents management
information shown in FIG. 4 are arranged in the second hierarchy.
Moreover, information on track names to which the artist name is made
correspond is arranged every artist name in the second hierarchy in a third hierarchy.
In other words, the information on the track names in which the information on the
artist name is stored as "artist name" in the contents management information shown in
FIG 4 is arranged every artist name as key Art or related Art in the second hierarchy in
the third hierarchy.
As a function of generating the artist link list, the CPU 21 acquires the
information on all the artist names existing in the contents management information
shown in FIG. 4 as the information on key Art which is previously stated. Moreover,
the CPU 21 acquires the information on the related artist from the contents management
information every artist name as key Art, and makes the information on the artist name
and the acquired information on the related artist correspond to each other every
information on the artist name as key Art ranked in the first hierarchy (second
hierarchy). After this, the CPU 21 acquires the information on "track name" to which
:he name information is made correspond as the information on "artist name" every
information on the artist name and the related artist which are made correspond to key
Art in the first hierarchy in such a manner and makes these pieces of the information on
the track names correspond to the artist names and the related artists (third hierarchy).
At that, it is supposed that for some artists, there is no information on the
related artist. In this case, the list may be generated in which the second hierarchy
includes the artist name of key Art.
In addition, the released year list is a list which is obtained by sorting the tracks
by released year in the manner as shown in FIG. 7.
As a function of generating the released year list, the CPU 21 acquires the
information on the track name having the information on the released year as the
additive information every information on each released year existing in the contents
management information shown in FIG 4, and generates a list in which the acquired
information on the track name is made correspond to the released year every
information on each released year.
The tracks can be managed by released year based on such a released year list.
In addition, in FIG. 3, a contents downloading function is a function of
downloading the contents data and the contents management information which are
stored as the contents database 30b in the HDD 30, and the various kinds of lists (the
order list for reproduction times, the artist link list, and the released year list) described
with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 into the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 shown in FIG
1.
As the contents downloading function, the CPU 21, in a state in which it is
connected to the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side through the USB cable so that
it can make data communication with the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 through the
USB interface 23 shown in FIG. 2, sequentially reads out the contents data, the contents
management information, and the information on the various kinds of lists which are
stored in the HDD 30, transfers the contents data, the contents management information,
and the information on the various kinds of lists to the recording/reproducing apparatus
2 side through the USB interface 23, and issues an instruction to read such information.
As a result, the information required to reproduce the contents data is
downloaded into the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side.
Incidentally, when the information is previously downloaded from the personal
computer 3 side into the recording/reproducing apparatus 2, and so forth, the personal
computer 3 has to download the contents data added to the HDD 30 from the last
download phase and its additive information into the recording/reproducing apparatus 2.
In this case, the information which is updated in its contents in correspondence to the
additive information for the added contents data is downloaded as the information on
the various kinds of lists into the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side.
In addition, as the contents downloading function, of all the tracks stored in the
HDD 30, the selected track can be downloaded into the recording/reproducing apparatus
2 side. In this case, the management information on the selected track is downloaded
as the contents management information shown in FIG. 4 into the recording/reproducing
apparatus 2 side. In addition, the various kinds of lists having the selected track as an
object are downloaded into the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side.
Also, in this case, as the contents downloading function, it is supposed that all
the contents data to be downloaded into the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 is
downloaded in a state of being compressed by using the predetermined compression
encoding system.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 1.
The recording/reproducing apparatus 2 is provided with a flash memory 18,
shown in the figure, as a recording medium for storing therein the contents data or the
like downloaded from the personal computer 3 into the recording/reproducing apparatus
2. In this case, it is supposed that the storage capacity of the flash memory 18, for
example, is in the range of about several hundred megabytes (MB) to about several
gigabytes (GB).
In addition, the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 is provided with a tuner T19
and an antenna A19, shown in the figure, together with a function of reproducing the
contents data stored in the flash memory 18. Thus, the reception and selection of a
Frequency Modulation (FM) broadcasting can be made.
In FIG 8, a controller 6 is configured in the form of a microcomputer including
a ROM, a RAM, and a CPU, and performs the control and arithmetic operation for the
overall recording/reproducing apparatus 2 in accordance with an activated program.
For example, the controller 6 performs the control or the like for an input/output
operation for the user, and the recording/reproduction of the contents data in/from the
flash memory 18.
In addition, in this case, the controller 6 includes a D/A conversion function in
a D/A converter (DAC) 6a shown in the figure, and a function of adjusting sound
volume.
An amplifier 7, an operation portion 8, and the tuner T19 are connected to the
controller 6.
The amplifier 7 inputs audio data for which the controller 6 performs the D/A
conversion and the sound volume adjustment by using the D/A function and the sound
volume adjusting function in the DAC 6a, amplifies the audio data, and supplies the
resulting data to a headphones terminal tHP shown in the figure.
In addition, the operation portion 8 is provided with various kinds of operation
portions which are provided so as to project to the outside of a chassis of the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 concerned. When inputted an operation signal
corresponding to the various kinds of operation portions, the controller 6 controls the
portions required to obtain the operation corresponding to the operation signal. As a
result, the user can instruct the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 to perform the various
kinds of operations by performing the operation for the various kinds of operation
portions included in the operation portion 8.
In addition, the tuner Tl9 executes reception broadcasting selection processing
with respect to the FM broadcasting signal inputted through the antenna A19 shown in
the figure, and supplies the resulting audio signal to the controller 6. The controller 6
performs the sound volume adjustment for the audio signal supplied thereto from the
tuner T19 in such a manner, and supplies the resulting signal to the amplifier 7.
In addition, a memory 9 is connected to the controller 6 through a first bus 10
shown in the figure. The memory 9 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory.
Coefficients used in the various kinds of arithmetic operations of the controller 6,
parameters used in the program, and the like are stored in the memory 9.
In particular, in the case of this embodiment, a reproduction display program
9a in accordance with which the controller 6 executes processing operations which will
be described later with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20 is stored in the memory 9. In
addition, in the case of this embodiment, an update phase program 9b in accordance
with which the controller 6 executes a processing operation which will be described
later with reference to FIG. 26 is also stored in the memory 9.
It should be noted that the reproduction display portion 9a, and the update
phase program 9b may also be stored in the flash memory 18 or in a ROM, etc.
provided inside the controller 6.
In addition, a decoder 11 is connected to the controller 6 through a DAC I/F
and an SIO shown in the figure.
The decoder 11 executes processing for decoding the audio data which is
compressed and encoded by using the predetermined compression encoding system.
Also, the decoder 11 also executes audio signal processing such as surround processing
for the audio data which is obtained in the decoding processing.
The audio data outputted from the decoder 11 is supplied to the controller 6
through the DAC I/F, and supplied to the amplifier 7 after being subjected to the D/A
conversion processing and the sound volume adjusting processing in the DAC 6aby the
controller 6, and then supplied to the headphones terminal tHP.
Incidentally, the controller 6 issues the various kinds of control instructions for
the decoder 11 through the SIO shown in the figure.
In addition, a system gate array 12 is connected to the controller 6 through the
first bus 10. The system gate array 12 is a Large Scale Integration (LSI) for
performing the control for transfer of the various kinds of data such as the audio data
and the commands to the respective portions.
The system gate array 12 is connected to the decoder 11 through the C/D I/F
shown in the figure. In addition, the system gate array 12 is connected to a display
control portion 14, and a USB controller 16 through a second bus 13 and also connected
to the flash memory 18 through a third bus 17.
A display portion 15 is a display device such as an organic Electro
Luminescence (EL) display or a liquid ciystal display, and displays thereon the various
kinds of information for the user.
The display control portion 14 drives the display portion 15 to cause the
display portion 15 to perform a display operation based on display data supplied thereto
from the controller 6 through the first bus 10, the system gate array 12, and the second
bus 13.
The USB controller 16 is provided in order to make data communication with
the external apparatus (the personal computer 3 in this embodiment) connected to the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 through a USB cable connected to the USB terminal
tUSB shown in the figure. That is to say, the USB controller 16 makes the data
communication with the external apparatus by executing processing for encoding the
transmission data and processing for decoding received data in accordance with the
USB communication system.
At that, it is supposed that the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 of this
embodiment corresponds to a USB mass storage class (MSC). As a result, when being
connected to the personal computer 3 side through the USB cable, the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 is recognized as an outside storage apparatus on the
personal computer 3 side.
Here, as understood from the description until now, the contents data
transferred from the personal computer 3 side is inputted to the recording/reproducing
apparatus 2 side through the USB controller 16.
When receiving the contents data from the personal computer 3 side, the USB
controller 16 directly transfers the contents data received thereat to the flash memory 18
through the third bus'17 to cause the flash memory 18 to perform the operation for
writing the contents data. That is to say, the contents data transferred from the
personal computer 3 side is recorded in the flash memory 18 in accordance with the
control made by the USB controller 16.
In addition, the USB controller 16 writes the contents management
information, and the information on the various kinds of lists (the order list for
reproduction times, the artist link list, the released year list, and the playlist) which are
transferred from the personal computer 3 side to the flash memory 18 through the same
route as that for the contents data.
In FIG 8, the contents data, the contents management information, and the
information on the various kinds of lists which are stored in the flash memory 18 in
such a manner are shown in the form of contents data 18a, contents management
information 18b, and the various lists 18c in the manner as shown in the figure,
respectively.
In addition, when the contents data is downloaded into the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2, a command is also transferred from the personal
computer 3. The USB controller 16 transfers such a command from the personal
computer 3 side to the USB controller 16 through the second bus 13, the system gate
array 12, and the first bus 10 so that the controller 6 interprets the contents of the
command. The controller 6 executes necessaiy processing in correspondence to the
interpreted contents of the command.
Also, during the reproduction of the contents data 18a recorded in the flash
memory 18, the contents data (compressed and encoded audio data) read out from the
flash memory 18 is inputted to the system gate array 12 through the third bus 17 in
accordance with an instruction issued from the controller 6. Then, the system gate
array 12 supplies the compressed and encoded audio data as the input contents data to
the decoder 11 through the C7D I/F. The decoder 11 executes the processing for
decoding the compressed and encoded audio data to obtain audio data, subjects the
audio data to predetermined audio signal processing, and supplies the resulting audio
data to the controller 6 through the DAC I/F.
The controller 6 subjects the audio data supplied thereto to the D/A conversion
processing and the sound volume adjusting processing in the DAC 6a and supplies the
resulting audio data to the amplifier 7. The audio data supplied to the amplifier 7 is
amplified and supplied to the headphones terminal tHP.
In addition, FIGS. 9A and 9B show external views of the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 and explaining the main operation portions included
in the operation portion 8 shown in FIG. 8.
In FIGS. 9A and 9B, FIG. 9A shows a front view of the recording/reproducing
apparatus 2, and FIG. 9B shows a view of the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 when
viewed from a Y direction in FIG. 9A.
Incidentally, the display portion 15 described with reference to FIG. 8 is also
shown in FIG. 9A. Thus, the display portion 15 is provided so as to be exposed to the
outside of the chassis of the recording/reproducing apparatus 2. In this case, the
headphones terminal tHP shown in FIG. 8 is provided at a center portion of a shuttle
switch 8d as shown in FIG. 9B.
The recording/reproducing apparatus 2 is provided with a DISP/FUNC key 8a,
a SEARCH/MENU key 8b, a PLAY/STOP key 8c, the shuttle switch 8d, a VOL+ key
8e, and a VOL- key 8f in the manner as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.
The DISP/FUNC key 8a is an operation portion for issuing an instruction to
change the display information on the display device as the display portion 15, and an
instruction to change the various kinds of reproducing functions of the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 which will be described later.
In addition, the SEARCH/MENU key 8b is an operation portion for issuing an
instruction to call a search mode in which the desired contents data is searched in
albums, in tracks, etc. from among the contents data stored in the flash memory 18, and
an instruction to call a menu screen for the various kinds of settings.
The PLAY/STOP key 8c is an operation portion for issuing an instruction to
start/stop the reproduction of the contents data, and an instruction to determine the
various kinds of selection items.
The shuttle switch 8d is an operation portion which can make a slide operation
for three positions PI, P2 and P3 (three-slide operation) shown in FIG. 9A, and a
rotation operation for two directions indicated by curved arrows in FIG. 9A,
respectively.
As for the rotation operation of the shuttle switch 8d, a rotation operation for
one rotation direction is an FF operation. An instruction to skip the track being
reproduced, an instruction to forward feed the various kinds of selection items, etc.
become possible by performing the FF operation. In addition, the rotation operation
for the other rotation direction is an FR operation. A heading instruction for the track
being reproduced, a backwardly feeding instruction for the various kinds of selection
items, an instruction to backward feed the various kinds of selection items, etc. become
possible by performing the FR operation.
In addition, as for the three-slide operation of the shuttle switch 8d, the position
PI shown in FIG. 9A corresponds to a HOLD instruction. When the shuttle switch 8d
is slid to the position PI, the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 is in a state in which all
the operation inputs cannot be accepted.
In addition, the position P2 is a neutral position. When the shuttle switch 8d
is in the position P2 and the reproduction is being performed, the instruction to skip the
track being reproduced is issued by performing the FF operation, and the heading
instruction for track being reproduced is issued by performing the FR operation.
Incidentally, in the following description, the position P2 will be referred to as
a track position as well.
Also, the position P3 is an album position. When the shuttle switch 8d is slid
to the album position P3 and the reproduction is being performed, the instruction to skip
the tracks in albums (or in playlists) is issued by performing the FF operation. In other
words, there is issued an instruction to perform the forward feeding to a head track of an
album which is previously determined to be reproduced next to an album to which the
track being reproduced belongs. In addition, the FR operation in this case is a
backward feeding operation which is performed in albums (in playlists). That is, an
instruction to perform the backward feeding to the head track of the album which is
determined in terms of the reproduction order to be the front of the album to which the
track being reproduced belongs is issued by performing the FR operation.
Also, in FIG. 9B, the VOL+ key 8e and the VOL- key
8f are operation portions for the sound volume adjusting instruction. The VOL+ key
8e is the operation portion for issuing an instruction to increase the sound volume, while
the VOL- key 8f is an operation portion for issuing an instruction to decrease the sound
volume.
Reproducing Functions of Recording/Reproducing Apparatus
FIG. 10 is a diagram explaining the various kinds of reproducing functions
which the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 of this embodiment has.
Firstly, the reproducing functions which the recording/reproducing apparatus 2
has are roughly classified into an Intelligent Shuffle reproducing function, a Music
Library reproducing function, and an FM reproducing (receiving) function.
At that, in the figure, the Intelligent Shuffle reproducing function, the Music
Library reproducing function, and the FM reproducing (receiving) function are arranged
in a hierarchy under an item of "Function". This means that in using the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2, the user uses the recording/reproducing apparatus 2
so as to select a desired function from among the three reproducing functions.
As will be described later, the user performs an operation for long depressing
the D1SP/FUNC key 8a shown in FIG. 9A, thereby displaying a selection screen with
which the desired function is selected from the Intelligent Shuffle reproducing function,
the Music Library reproducing function, and the FM reproducing (receiving) function.
The user determines any one of the reproducing (receiving) functions from the selection
screen.
In FIG. 10, four shuffle reproducing functions, i.e., a My Favorite Shuffle
reproducing function, an Artist Link Shuffle reproducing function, a Time Machine
Shuffle reproducing function, and a Sports Shuffle representing function are prepared
for the Intelligent Shuffle reproducing function in the manner as shown in the figure.
The My Favorite Shuffle reproducing function is a reproducing function of
performing shuffle reproduction with a predetermined number of upper tracks each
being large in number of the reproduction times as objects of the reproduction.
The order list for reproduction times which is downloaded from the personal
computer 3 side into the recording/reproducing apparatus 3 side as previously stated is
used in the My Favorite Shuffle reproducing function.
In addition, the Artist Link Shuffle reproducing function is a reproducing
function of performing the shuffle reproduction with all the tracks of the specified artist
and the related artist as objects of the reproduction. Likewise,|he artist link list which
is downloaded from the personal computer 3 side into the encoding/reproducing
apparatus 2 side is used in the Artist Link Shuffle reproducing function.
In addition, the Time Machine Shuffle reproducing function is a reproducing
function of performing the shuffle reproduction with all the tracks in the specified
released year as objects of the reproduction. The released year list is used in the Time
Machine Shuffle reproducing function.
Also, the Sports Shuffle reproducing function is a function of, in performing
the shuffle reproduction with all the tracks as objects of the reproduction, automatically
stopping the shuffle reproduction after a lapse of a set period of time. That is to say,
the Sports Shuffle reproducing function is a shuffle reproducing function with an auto
off timer function.
Here, it is supposed that the portable type recording/reproducing apparatus 2 is
used in the application on which the user enjoys the music while carrying the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 during a jog for example. The user can be informed
of that he/she has performed a jog or the like for a set period of time based on stop of
the reproduced sound as long as there is provided the auto off timer function as the
Sports Shuffle reproducing function.
Incidentally, giving a description for confirmation, "the shuffle reproduction"
stated herein means that the reproduction is performed so as to give the order of the
reproduction of the music (tracks), or selection of predetermined candidate information
irregularly by using the random sampling numbers.
In addition,, in the following description, for the sake of convenience, the
Intelligent Shuffle reproduction is abbreviated as "I.S. reproduction" in some cases.
Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 10, an All Track reproducing function, an Artist
reproducing function, an Album reproducing function, a My Favorite reproducing
function, a Released year reproducing function, a Genre reproducing function, and a
Playlist reproducing function are prepared for the Music library reproducing function.
No shuffle reproduction is performed in the Music Library reproducing
function.
At that, the Music Library reproducing function will also be referred to as
"M.L. reproduction" in the following description.
The All Track reproducing function is a reproducing function of performing the
reproduction with all the tracks as objects of the reproduction.
In addition, the Artist reproducing function is a function of performing the
reproduction with all the tracks of the specified artist, or all the tracks within the
specified album when there are a plurality of albums of the specified artist as objects of
the reproduction.
Also, the Album reproducing function is a function of performing the
reproduction with all the tracks within the specified album as objects of the
reproduction.
The My Favorite reproducing function is a reproducing function of performing
the reproduction with a predetermined number of upper tracks each being large in
number of the reproduction times as objects of the reproduction. Similarly to the My
Favorite reproducing function, the order list for reproduction times is used in the My
Favorite reproducing function as well.
In addition, the Released year reproducing function is a reproducing function
of performing the reproduction with all the tracks in the specified released year as
objects of the reproduction. Similarly to the Time Machine Shuffle reproducing
function, the released year list is used in the Released year reproducing function.
In addition, the Genre reproducing function is a function of performing the
reproduction with all the tracks of the same genre, or all the tracks within the specified
album when there are a plurality of albums of the same genre as objects of the
reproduction.
In addition, the Playlist reproducing function is a function of performing the
reproduction with all the tracks within the specified playlist as objects of the
reproduction.
The FM receiving function is a function of receiving and selecting the FM
broadcasting to output the sound thereof.
Here, of the various kinds of reproducing (receiving) functions, the Intelligent
Shuffle (I.S.) receiving function and a part of the Music Library (M.L.) reproducing
function (the My Favorite reproducing function and the Released year reproducing
function) which are represented by a shaded portion in the figure are functions which
are extended in the present recording/reproducing apparatus 2. In other words, the
M.L. reproducing function (All Track, Artist, Album, Genre, and Playlist reproducing
functions) other than the reproducing functions represented by the shaded portion, and
the FM receiving function are the functions in the past.
Since the present functions are extended in the manner as described above, the
contents management application 30a on the personal computer 3 side is also extended
in function from the contents management application which copes with the apparatus
in the past.
More specifically, the function of generating the various kinds of lists shown in
FIGS. 5 to 7 is added to the present contents management application 30a. These lists
are generated and downloaded into the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side in the
manner as described above, whereby the I.S. reproducing function and a part of the
M.L. reproducing function are extended this time can be realized in the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2.
Conversely speaking, in the recording/reproducing system in the past, the
contents management application is designed so as to be provided with the functions of
realizing the functions in the past (except for the My Favorite reproducing function, and
the Released year reproducing function in the M.L. reproducing function). Thus, there
are the circumstances in which the contents management application has not been
provided with these list generating functions.
Incidentally, in the All Track, Artist, Album, Genre, and Playlist reproducing
functions as well as the reproducing functions in the past, for example, the tracks of a
certain artist, or the tracks of a certain genre are treated as objects or the like of the
reproduction. Thus, it is expected that the corresponding list is generated on the
personal computer 3 side and downloaded into the recording/reproducing apparatus 2
side to be used during the reproduction phase.
However, the contents management application in the past is not provided with
the function of reproducing the lists (except for the playlist) in the manner as described
above. Along with this, in the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 in the past, those
necessary lists have been generated based on the contents management information 18b
which has been downloaded together with the contents data.
As an example, while as will be described later too, when the Artist
reproducing function is selected, the list of the artists is displayed for the purpose of
making the user select a desired artist. A list is generated which is obtained by
extracting the information on artist names existing in the contents management
information 18b within the flash memory 18, and such information list of artists is
displayed based on the generated list. In addition, at this time, when a certain artist is
specified, a list of the tracks (or the albums) of the certain artist is displayed. Then, a
list is generated which is obtained by extracting the information on the track names (the
information on the album names) to which the specified artist name in the contents
management information 18b is made correspond, and that list of the tracks (albums) is
also displayed based on the generated list.
Since the apparatus in the past has no list which is previously generated as
described above, the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side generates the list for
generation of the necessary list information based on the contents management
information 18b on all such occasions.
In this embodiment as well, no list for the reproducing functions in the past is
generated in terms of the contents management application 30a. That is to say, it is
supposed that along with that situation, the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 of this
embodiment also generates the list for generation of the necessary list information
required for the reproducing functions in the past based on the contents of the contents
management information 18b on all such occasions.
Operation Procedure and operation of Recording/Reproducing Apparatus Side.
Subsequently, a description will be given with respect to an operation
procedure for performing the reproducing function operations shown in FIG 10, and an
operation of the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side which is performed in
accordance with that operation with reference to FIGS. 11 to 17.
Incidentally, changes in display contents on the display portion 15
corresponding to the operation input are shown in these figures.
A description will be given with respect to an operation procedure for selecting
any one from among the Intelligent Shuffle reproducing function, the Music Library
reproducing function, and the FM receiving function with reference to FIG 11.
When intending to select any one from among these reproducing functions, the
user performs the operation for long depressing the DISP/FUNC key 8a shown in FIG.
9A. It is supposed that the long depressing operation is an operation for continuously
depressing the DISP/FUNC key 8a for 0.5 second or more for example. A function
selection screen represented by Gl in the figure is displayed on the display portion 15
by performing the operation for long depressing the DISP/FUNC key 8a.
Icons representing the respective functions, i.e., the Intelligent Shuffle
reproducing function, the Music Library representing function, and the FM receiving
function, a cursor CR for alternatively selecting these icons, and name information on
the function represented by the icon selected by the cursor CR are displayed on the
function selection screen.
The user can move the cursor CR to select a desired icon from among these
icons by performing the FF operation or the FR operation as the rotation operation of
the shuttle switch 8d described with reference to FIGS. 9 A and 9B. In addition, the
user can determine the selected item by depressing the PLAY/STOP key 8c.
When the Intelligent Shuffle reproducing function is selected and determined
in the function selection screen, an l.S. selection screen represented by G2 is displayed
on the display portion 15. Icons representing the respective l.S. reproducing functions
of the My Favorite Shuffle, the Artist Link Shuffle, the Time Machine Shuffle, and the
Sports Shuffle, a cursor CR for alternatively selecting these icons, and information on a
function name of a mark selected by the cursor CR are displayed on the l.S. selection
screen.
In addition, when the Music Library reproducing function is selected and
determined on the function selection screen, an M.L, selection screen represented by G3
is displayed on the display portion 15. Name information on the individual
reproducing functions (All Track, Artist, Album, My favorite, Released year, Genre, and
Playlist) as the M.L. reproducing functions shown in FIG. 10, and a cursor CR for
alternatively selecting the name information to select one from among the reproducing
functions are displayed on the M.L. selection screen.
While FIG. 11 shows an example in which three names, i.e., All Track, Artist,
and Album are displayed as the name information on the M.L. selection screen, this
results from the reasons such that the display portion 15 in this case can perform the
display for three lines. Other name information is displayed by moving downward or
upward the cursor CR for example.
It should be noted that the M.L. selection screen can also be displayed by
performing an operation for depressing the SEARCH/MENU key 8b shown in FIG 9A
in addition to performing the operation procedure based on the long depressing of the
DISP/FUNC key 8 a, and the selection and determination of the M.L. reproducing
function on the function selection screen.
In addition, when the FM receiving function is selected and determined in the
function selection screen, an FM screen represented by G4 is displayed. For example,
the display representing the contents of the present functions such as "FM", the display
of a preset number, and the display of the information or the like on the received
frequency are made on the FM screen.
Also, when the FM receiving function is selected and determined in such a
manner, the audio signal which is obtained by performing the receiving broadcasting
selecting operation by using the tuner T19 shown in FIG. 8 is outputted through the
headphones terminal tHP.
Incidentally, no audio signal is outputted in a state in which the function
selection screen is displayed by performing the operation for long depressing the
DISP/FUNC key 8a. That is to say, in a case where the operation for long depressing
the DISP/FUNC key 8a is performed when the track is being reproduced until that time,
or when the FM broadcasting is being received, the display of the function selection
screen, and the output of the audio signal being reproduced (received) are stopped in
correspondence to that case.
As a result, when the DISP/FUNC key 8a is long depressed during the
reception of the FM broadcasting, the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 of this
embodiment becomes a silent state though the present mode is the FM mode. At this
time, in order to perform the operation for generating the FM sound again, the
PLAY/STOP key 8c is operated.
In addition, when no operation is performed for equal to or longer than a
predetermined period of time during the reception of the FM broadcasting, the operation
mode proceeds to a sleep mode. That is to say, the operation mode proceeds to a mode
as the sleep mode in which the operation for receiving and generating the FM sound is
stopped, and the display portion 15 is turned OFF to reduce the power consumption.
In a case as well where the operation for receiving and generating the FM
sound is performed from the sleep mode again, the PLAY/STOP key 8c is depressed.
Conversely speaking, no FM output is started in correspondence to any of other
operations. However, during the sleep mode, the screen display can be performed
when necessary in correspondence to the input through any of other operations.
Incidentally, in this specification, a state until any other reproducing (receiving)
function is selected and determined on and after the I.S. reproducing function is selected
and determined is referred to as an "I.S. reproducing mode (Intelligent Shuffle
reproducing mode)", or simply referred to as a "shuffle reproducing mode".
In addition, a state until any other reproducing (receiving) function is selected
and determined on and after the M.L. reproducing function is selected and determined is
referred to as an "M.L. mode (Music Library mode)".
Moreover, a state until any other reproducing function is selected and
determined on and after the FM receiving function is selected and determined is referred
to as an "FM mode".
FIGS. 12A to 12D and FIGS. 13Ato 13C show screen changes on and after the
M.L. reproducing function is determined.
Incidentally, the Artist reproducing function and the Album reproducing
function of the M.L. reproducing function will be described with reference to these
figures.
When intending to select and determine the Artist reproducing function, as
shown in FIG. 12A, in the M.L. selection screen represented by G3 of FIG. 11, the user
moves the cursor CR to the name information on the artists and depresses the
PLAY/STOP key 8c.
Then, as shown in FIG. 12B, a list of all the artist names is displayed together
with "All Artist" on the display portion 15.
At that, while in FIG. 12B as well, information on two artist names is displayed
as the information on the artist names, this results from the reasons such that the display
for three lines can be made on the display portion 15. Thus, the display of other artist
names is made by moving downward or upward the cursor CR for example in this case
as well.
It should be noted that this is common to all "list display" which will be
described below.
In addition, "all" in "all the artists" in this case means "all" in terms of the
range within which the artist names are stored in the flash memory 18.
Also, when "All Artist" is selected and determined in the screen shown in FIG
12B, the information on all the track names stored as the contents data 18a is rearranged
in the order of the artist names to be displayed in the form of a list (at this time, the
tracks of the same artist are rearranged in the order of the album names to be displayed).
When one track is selected and determined from the list of the track names, the
reproduction is performed in the order of the reproduction based on the list of the
rearranged tracks.
The user moves the cursor CR by performing the FF operation/FR operation,
and depresses the PLAY/STOP key 8c to issue an instruction for determination of an
artist, whereby he/she can select and determine a desired artist from the list of the
artists.
When a certain artist is determined from the list of the artists shown in FIG
12B, "All Album" is displayed together with the list of the albums of the determined
artist as shown in FIG 12C.
When intending to make the reproduction in albums, the user moves the cursor
CR by perfonning the FF operation/FR operation, and depresses the PLAY/STOP key
8c to issue an instruction for determination of an album, thereby selecting and
determining a desired album from the displayed list of the albums.
At that, when "All Album" is selected and determined, all the tracks of the
artist determined in FIG. 12B are rearranged in the order of the album names to be
displayed in the form of the list. At this time, a reproduction object range becomes all
the tracks of the determined artist which are displayed in the form of the list. In
addition, the order of the reproduction becomes the same as that of the tracks displayed
in the form of the list.
When one album is determined from the list of the albums in FIG. 12C, a list of
the track names within the determined album is displayed in the manner as shown in
FIG. 12D. The user issues an instruction to select and determine the track from the list
of the track names shown in FIG. 12D by performing the FF operation/FR operation and
by depressing the PLAY/STOP key 8c, whereby he/she can issue an instruction to start
the operation for reproducing the determined track.
In this case, the production object range becomes the tracks displayed in the
form of the list, i.e., all the tracks within the determined album of the determined artist.
FIGS. 13A to 13C are respectively screen change diagrams explaining the
album reproducing function.
When intending to select and determine the Album reproducing function, the
user moves the cursor CR to the name information on the albums in the M.L. selection
screen in the manner as shown in FIG. 13A and depresses the PLAY/STOP key 8c.
Then, "All Album" is displayed together with a list of all the albums in the
manner as shown in FIG. 13B.
The user moves the cursor CR by performing the FF operation/FR operation
and issues an instruction for determination of an album by depressing the PLAY/STOP
key 8c, whereby he/she can select and determine a desired album from the list of the
albums displayed in the form of the list.
At that, when "All Album" is determined, the track names of all the tracks
which are stored as the contents data 18a are rearranged in the order of the album names
to be displayed in the form of the list. At this time, the order of the reproduction of the
contents becomes the same as that of the display of the list. In addition, the
reproduction object range becomes all the tracks which are displayed in the form of the
list in such a manner.
Also, "all" in "all the albums" stated herein means "all" in terms of the range
within which the albums are stored in the flash memory 18.
When one album is determined from the list of the albums in FIG. 13B, the list
of the track names within the determined album is displayed as shown in FIG 13C.
The user issues an instruction to select and determine the track from the displayed list of
the track names shown in FIG. 13C by performing the FF operation/FR operation and by
depressing the PLAY/STOP key 8c, whereby he/she can issue an instaiction to start to
reproduce the determined track.
In this case, the reproduction object range becomes the tracks displayed in the
form of the list, i.e., all the tracks within the determined album.
As can be seen from the descriptions with respect to FIGS. 12A to 12D, and
FIGS. 13A to 13C, in this case, in order to perform the M.L. reproduction, the items
such as the artist and the album are sequentially determined from the M.L. selection
screen to follow the hierarchies, whereby the reproducing function of determining the
reproduction object range corresponding to the items of the hierarchies to perform the
contents reproduction is realized and the search function of following the hierarchies
from the artist to the album to retrieve the desired contents is simultaneously realized.
In this point, the M.L. selection screen is displayed in correspondence to the
operation as well for depressing the SEARCH/MENU key 8b as previously stated.
Incidentally, in this embodiment, of the M.L. reproducing function, the Artist
reproducing function and the Album reproducing function have been described.
However, with respect to the All Track reproducing function, all the track names are
displayed in the form of the list in correspondence to the determination thereof. When
one track is selected and determined from the list, the selected one track is started to be
reproduced. In this case, the reproduction object range becomes all the tracks.
In addition, with respect to the Genre reproducing function, the genres are
displayed in the form of the list in correspondence to the determination thereof. When
one genre is selected and detemimed from the displayed list of the genres, the albums
belonging to the determined one genre are displayed in the form of the list. The
subsequent operations become the same of the foregoing except that with respect to the
Artist reproducing function described with reference to FIGS. 12B to 12D, the sorting
of "Artist" is replaced with the sorting of "Genre".
In addition, with respect to the Playlist reproducing function, all the playlists
are displayed in the form of the list in correspondence to the determination thereof.
When one playlist is selected and determined from the list, all the tracks within the one
playlist are displayed in the form of the list. Moreover, when one track is selected and
i determined from the list of the tracks, the one track is started to be reproduced. In this
case, the reproduction object range becomes all the tracks within the determined
playlist.
Also, with respect to the My Favorite reproducing function, a predetermined
number of upper tracks each being large in number of the reproduction times are
) extracted from the list of the order of reproduction stored in the flash memory 18 in
correspondence to the determination thereof to be displayed in the form of the list.
When one track is selected and determined from the list, the one track is started to be
reproduced. In this case, the reproduction object range becomes all the tracks (a
predetermined number of upper tracks) displayed in the form of the list.
> Moreover, with respect to the Released year reproducing function, the
information on all the released years existing in the released year list is displayed in the
form of the list in correspondence to the determination thereof. When one released
year is selected and determined from the list, all the tracks made correspond to the one
released year in the released year list are displayed in the form of the list. After this,
when one track is selected and determined from the list of the tracks, the one track is
started to be reproduced. In this case, the reproduction object range becomes all the
tracks (i.e., all the tracks made correspond to the determined released year) displayed in
the form of the list.
Subsequently, the reproducing functions in the Intelligent Shuffle reproducing
function will be described with reference to FIGS. 14A to 17E.
The My Favorite Shuffle reproducing function will be described with reference
to FIGS. 14Ato 14F.
As previously stated too, the My Favorite Shuffle reproducing function is the
reproducing function of performing the shuffle reproduction with a predetermined
number of upper tracks each being large in number of the reproduction times as the
reproduction object range.
The My Favorite Shuffle reproduction is started in correspondence to selection
and determination of the My Favorite Shuffle reproducing function in the I.S. selection
screen represented by G2 in FIG. 11.
In correspondence to determining the My Favorite Shuffle reproducing
function in the I.S. selection screen in such a manner, the pieces of the information on
the track names are displayed on the display portion 15 so as to be sequentially replaced
with one another with the information on the track names determined as the
reproduction object range as objects as shown in FIG. 14A. That is, the information on
the track names is displayed so as to be sequentially replaced with one another with the
information on the track names determined as a predetermined number of upper tracks
each being large in number of the reproduction times from the list of the order of the
reproduction as the objects.
In this embodiment, the display form in which a plurality of information is
displayed so as to be sequentially replaced with one another is referred to as "sequential
display".
More specifically, as regards the sequential display in this case, the information
is sequentially replaced with one another on a one-by-one basis (on a one track name by
one track name basis in this case).
In FIG. 14A, the sequential display is performed over a predetermined period
of time. In the case of this embodiment, the sequential display is performed for three
seconds for example.
Incidentally, while in FIG. 14A, for the sake of convenience in illustration, a
plurality of track names are displayed so as to be superimposed on each other, this
shows an image when having seen with the naked eye. Actually, as stated above too,
the display is performed so that the track names are displayed so as to be sequentially
replaced with one another on a one track name by one track name basis. This is also
applied to cases of FIGS. 15Aand FIG. 16A which will be described later.
In this case, all the selection candidate information cannot be displayed within
a predetermined sequential display time depending on the number of the candidate
information (the individual track name information in this case) to be sequentially
displayed in some cases.
In such cases, a predetermined number of objects of the selection candidate
information which can be displayed within a set sequential display period of time have
to be sequentially displayed.
Alternatively, in sequentially displaying all the objects of the selection
candidate information, the sequential display period of time can be adjusted so that all
the objects of the selection candidate information can be sequentially displayed.
At that, in the case of the My Favorite Shuffle reproducing function, an icon
representing the My Favorite Shuffle reproducing function is also displayed on the
display portion 15. As a result, the user can be informed of the present reproducing
function. Incidentally, this is also applied to all the I.S. reproducing functions which
will be described below.
After the track names are sequentially displayed over a predetermined period
of time in the manner as described above, a track name of the track which is determined
in correspondence to the random number in terms of the shuffle reproduction is
displayed in the manner as described with reference to FIG. 14B.
Here, as regards "shuffle" in this case, the operation for selecting one object of
the candidate information from among a plurality of objects of the selection candidate
information is performed so that as described above, firstly, the random number is
generated, and the objects of the candidate information, corresponding to the random
number, of a plurality of objects of the selection candidate information is selected and
determined. That is to say, in this case, of the information on a plurality of track
names determined as the reproduction object range, the information on the track name
corresponding to the generated random number is selected and determined.
The information on the track name determined in such a manner is also
displayed over a predetermined period of time which is set in advance. In this
embodiment, a period of time required to display the item which is determined after the
sequential display in such a manner is set to 300 ms for example.
After the information on the track name determined in such a manner is
displayed over a predetermined period of time, the track name concerned is started to be
reproduced.
After the track is started to be reproduced in such a manner, the information
shown in FIG. 14C or FIG. 14D is displayed on the display portion 15.
FIG. 14C shows the display contents when the shuttle switch 8d shown in FIG.
9A is slid to the track position (the position P2). FIG. 4D shows the display contents
when the shuttle switch 8d is slid to the album position (the position P3).
When the shuttle switch 8d is in the track position and thus the track is being
reproduced based on the My Favorite Shuffle reproducing function, at least the
information on the track name of the track being reproduced and the information on the
artist name of the track concerned are displayed as the information on the track being
reproduced on the display portion 15 in the manner as shown in FIG. 14C.
In addition, when the track is being reproduced based on the My Favorite
Shuffle reproducing function and the shuttle switch 8d is in the album position, the
information on the track name which is selected and determined based on the shuffle in
this case is displayed as the information on the track being reproduced on the display
portion 15 in the manner as shown in FIG. 14D.
Incidentally, when the track is being reproduced based on the My Favorite
Shuffle reproducing function and the PLAY/STOP key 8c is depressed (i.e., the stopping
operation is performed), the reproduction of the track is stopped, but the displayed
contents at a time point when the stopping operation is performed is maintained on the
display portion 15.
IGS. 14E and 14F show the displayed contents on the display portion 15 when
the stopping operation is performed in such a manner. That is, FIG. 14E shows the
displayed contents when the shuttle switch 8d is in the track position and the stopping
operation is performed. In addition, FIG. 14F shows the display contents when the
shuttle switch 8d is in the album position and the stopping operation is performed.
When the stop state continues for equal to or longer than a predetermined
period of time, the operation mode proceeds to a sleep mode. In the sleep mode stated
herein, the operations of predetermined portions are stopped or limited, e.g., the display
portion 15 is turned OFF in order to reduce the power consumption therein.
Subsequently, the Artist Link Shuffle reproducing function will be described
with reference to FIGS. 15A to 15G.
The Artist Link Shuffle reproduction is started in correspondence to selection
and determination of the Artist Link Shuffle reproducing function in the I.S. selection
screen represented by 02 shown in FIG. 11.
In correspondence to determination of the Artist Link Shuffle reproducing
function in the l.S. selection screen, firstly, as shown in FIG. ISA, the objects of the
information on all the artist names as key Art (refer to FIG. 6) existing in the artist link
list are sequentially disposed as the selection candidates on the display portion 15.
In this case as well, the objects of information are displayed so as to be
sequentially replaced with one another on a one-by-one basis (on a one artist name by
one artist name basis in this embodiment) as the sequential display.
The sequential display shown in FIG 15A is made over a predetermined period
of time (e.g., for a three seconds).
After the sequential display about the artist names is made over the
predetermined period of time, as shown in FIG. 15B, the information on the artist name
which is determined in correspondence to the random number in terms of the shuffle
reproduction is displayed for a predetermined period of time (e.g., for 300 ms).
When the information on the artist name determined in such a manner is
displayed for the predetermined period of time, the information on the number of
related Arts made correspond to the artist name as the determined key Art in the artist
link list is displayed over a predetermined period of time. This display is made in the
form of "There are eight related Arts" for example as shown in FIG. 15C. The display
is also made for the predetermined period of time such as 300 ms.
After the display about the number of related Arts is made, the information on
a given track name is selected and determined from all the track names made
correspond to the list of (the key Art and the related Art) made correspond to the
determined key Art in the artist link list. For example, the information on the track
name located in the head on the list is selected and determined from the track names
made correspond to the unit of "the key Art and the related Art".
Alternatively, the random number is generated and the track name
corresponding to the random number is selected and determined, thereby allowing the
information on the track name to be determined with the objects of the information on
all the track names made correspond to the unit of the key Art and the related Art as
objects.
In correspondence to the determination of the information on the track name,
the track is started to be reproduced based on the determined track name.
After the determined track is started to be reproduced in such a manner, i.e.,
when the track is being reproduced based on the Artist Link Shuffle reproducing
function, the information shown in FIG. 15D or 15E is displayed on the display portion
15.
In this case as well, FIG. 15D shows the display contents when the shuttle
switch 8d is slid to the track position. In this case, as shown in FIG. 15D, the
information on the track name of the track being reproduced and the information on the
artist name of the track concerned are displayed as the information, on the track being
reproduced, which is displayed on the display portion 15.
In addition, FIG. 15E shows the displayed contents when the shuttle switch 8d
s slid to the album position. The artist name (the artist name of the key Art) which is
elected and determined based on the shuffle operation in this case is displayed as the
nformation, on the track being reproduced, on the display portion 15.
In addition, in a case as well where the stopping operation is performed when
he track is being reproduced based on the Artist Link Shuffle reproducing function,
dmilarly to the case of the My Favorite Shuffle reproducing function, the reproduction
s stopped, but the displayed contents at a time point when the stopping operation is
performed are maintained on the display portion 15.
FIG. 15F shows the displayed contents when the shuttle switch 8d is slid to the
track position and the stopping operation is performed. In addition, FIG 15G shows
the displayed contents when the shuttle switch 8d is slid to the album position and the
stopping operation is performed.
In this case as well, when the stop state continues for equal to or longer than a
predetermined period of time, the operation mode proceeds to the sleep mode.
FIGS. 16A to 16F are respectively diagrams explaining the Time Machine
Shuffle reproducing function.
The Time Machine Shuffle reproducing function is started in correspondence to
selection and determination of the Time Machine Shuffle reproducing function in the
I.S. selection screen.
In correspondence to the determination of the Time Machine Shuffle
reproducing function, firstly, as shown in FIG. 16A, the objects of the information on all
the released years existing in the released year list are sequentially displayed as the
selection candidates on the display portion 15.
In this case as well, as regards the sequential display, the objects of information
(the objects of the information on the released years in this case) are displayed so,as to
be sequentially replaced with one another on a one-by-one basis.
The sequential display shown in FIG. 16A is also made over a predetermined
period of time (e.g., over three seconds).
After such sequential display about the released years is made for the
predetermined period of time, the information on the released year which is determined
in correspondence to the random number in terms of the shuttle reproduction is
displayed for a predetermined period of time (e.g., for 300 ms) in the manner as shown
in FIG 16B.
After the information on each released year determined in such a manner is
displayed for the predetermined period of time, the information on a predetermined
track name is selected and determined from all the track names made correspond to the
information on the detennined released year in the released year list. For example, the
information on the track name, located in the head on the list, of the track names made
correspond to the released year concerned is selected and determined.
Alternatively, the random number is generated and the track name
corresponding to the random number is selected and detennined, thereby the
information on the track name to be detennined with the objects of the information on
all the track names made correspond to the information on the detennined released year.
In correspondence to the determination of the information on the track name,
the track is started to be reproduced based on the detennined track name.
After the track detennined in such a manner is started to be reproduced, i.e.,
when the track is being reproduced based on the Time Machine Shuffle reproducing
function, the information shown in FIG. 16C or 16D is displayed on the display portion
15.
In this case as well, FIG. 16C shows the displayed contents when the shuttle
switch 8d is slid to the track position. In this case, as shown in the figure, the
information on the track name of the track being reproduced and the information on the
artist name of the track concerned are displayed as the information, on the track being
reproduced, displayed on the display portion 15.
In addition, FIG. 16D shows the displayed contents when the shuttle switch 8d
is slid to the album position. The information on the released year which is selected
and determined based on the shuffle operation in this case is displayed as the
information, on the track being reproduced, on the display portion 15 at this time.
In addition, in a case as well where the stopping operation is performed when
the track is being reproduced based on the Time Machine Shuffle reproducing function,
similarly to each of the above-mentioned reproducing functions, the reproduction is
stopped, but the display contents at a time point when the stopping operation is
performed are maintained on the display portion 15.
FIG 16E shows the displayed contents when the shuttle switch 8d is slid to the
track position and the stopping operation is performed. In addition, FIG. 16F shows
the displayed contents when the shuttle switch 8d is slid to the album position and the
stopping operation is performed.
In this case as well, when the stop state continues for a predetermined period of
time, the operation mode proceeds to the sleep mode.
FIGS. 17A to 17E are respectively diagrams explaining the Sports Shuffle
reproducing function.
As previously stated too, the Sports Shuffle reproducing function is a shuffle
reproducing function with the auto off timer function. The Sports Shuffle reproducing
function is started in correspondence to determination and selection of the Sports
Shuffle reproducing function in the I.S. selection screen.
In correspondence to the determination of the Sports Shuffle reproducing
function, a timer time setting screen shown in FIG. 17A is displayed on the display
portion 15. A time setting time (in minutes in this embodiment) is displayed in the
timer time setting screen. The user can adjust the timer setting time by performing the
FF operation/FR operation in a state in which the timer time setting screen is displayed.
At that, the default timer setting time is set to twenty minutes for example. Then, the
user can determine the timer setting time by perfonning the operation for depressing the
PLAY/STOP key 8c.
Ready-Go display shown in FIG. 17B is made in correspondence to the
operation for determining the timer setting time. The Ready-Go display is used to
perform the start count based on a series of screen display such as "3, 2, 1, Go!". As
previously stated, making such Ready-Go display is based on the assumption that the
Sports Shuffle reproducing function is used during the jog or the like. At this time, in
the screen, before the start, such as "3, 2, 1" in the Ready-Go display, the feeling (the
tense atmosphere, etc.) before restart can be performed by displaying an illustration in
which a person stands ready to perform the start as shown in the figure.
Upon performing the start count based on such Ready-Go display, the shuffle
reproduction is started with all the tracks stored as the contents data 18a as objects.
That is, the random number is generated and the track corresponding to the random
number is selected and determined with all the tracks as objects, and also the track
determined in such a manner is started to be reproduced.
An auto off timer operation is started along with the start of the reproduction.
A screen shown in FIG. 17C is displayed on the display portion 15 in correspondence to
the start of the auto off timer operation. That is, the information on remaining time of
the timer and/or the information on a time elapsed from the start, etc. is displayed on the
display portion 15. At this time, for example, the sports feeling can be produced by
displaying the information on such a time together with an illustration or the like in
which a person is running as shown in the figure.
In a case as well where the stopping operation is performed when the
reproduction is being performed based on the Sports Shuffle reproducing function,
similarly to each reproducing function, the reproduction is stopped, but the displayed
contents at a time point when the stopping operation is performed are maintained on the
display portion 15 (refer to FIG. 17D). In this case as well, when the stop state
continues for a predetermined period of time, the operation mode proceeds to the sleep
mode.
In addition, FIG. 17E shows the displayed contents when the auto off operation
is completed after a lapse of the timer setting time. When the reproduction is stopped
in the auto off operation, unlike the stop screen shown in FIG. 17D, the information on
the timer remaining tinier is displayed as "0" and thus the information on the elapsed
time from the start is displayed as the set timer time. At this time, for example, the
achievement atmosphere can also be produced by displaying an illustration representing
that a person reaches the goal such as an illustration representing that the person with
arms up in the air as shown in the figure.
Incidentally, in the Sports Shuffle reproducing function, the displayed screen
during the reproduction and during the stop phase become identical to each other as
shown in FIGS. 17C and 17D irrespective of the track position and the album position
of the shuttle switch 8d.
Here, as has been described until now, in selecting and determining one
candidate from a plurality of selection candidate groups in terms of the shuffle
reproduction, the sequential display in which a predetermined number of objects of the
selection candidate information of a plurality of objects of the selection candidate
information are displayed so as to be sequentially replaced with one another is made in
the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 of this embodiment.
The expectation atmosphere relating to which candidate information is selected
and determined by the shuffle as when for example, the lots are drawn by using the
roulette can be increased by performing such production. That is to say, this results in
that the amusementability which the shuffle reproduction has can be further enhanced.
In addition, as understood from the description as well until now, such
sequential display is made during the Intelligent Shuffle reproducing mode phase (the
Sports Shuffle reproduction phase is excluded in this embodiment) in order to express
and produce the random nature of the shuffle reproduction.
When such sequential display is made during the Intelligent Shuffle
reproducing mode, the user can readily and reliably understand, from the fact that the
sequential display is made, that the present reproducing mode is the Intelligent Shuffle
reproducing mode. That is to say, this enables the user to readily and reliably
understand the present reproducing mode.
From the foregoing, according to the exemplary embodiment, the
amusementability which the shuffle reproduction has can be further enhanced, and also
the excellent user interface can be realized which is intuitive and easy to understand.
Processing Operation
Subsequently, a description will be given with respect to a processing operation
which is to be performed in the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 in realizing the
Intelligent Shuffle reproducing operation in this embodiment described above, and the
sequential display operation which is performed along with the Intelligent Shuffle
reproducing operation with reference to flow charts shown in FIGS. 18 to 20.
It should be noted that the processing operations shown in FIGS. 18 to 20 is
performed in accordance with the reproduction display program 9a stored in the
memory 9 by the controller 6.
Any processes descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood as
representing modules, segments, portions of code which include one or more executable
instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and
alternate implementations are included within the scope of the exemplary embodiment
of the present invention in which functions may be executed out of order from that
shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending
upon the functionality involved, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.
In addition, it is supposed in FIGS. 18 to 20 that a plurality of tracks are
recorded as the contents data 18a within the flash memory 18. Incidentally, when one
track is recorded, the coping processing for disabling the Intelligent Shuffle reproducing
function for selection, or for repeatedly reproducing the track concerned in each
reproducing function has to be executed in the function selection screen (Gl) shown in
FIG 11.
FIG. 18 shows the processing operation which is to be executed after the My
Favorite Shuffle reproducing function is selected and determined.
Referring to FIG. 18, in correspondence to selecting and determining the My
Favorite Shuffle reproducing operation on the I.S. selection screen shown in FIG 11, in
step S101, in this case, reference is made to the order list for reproduction times which
is stored as the various kinds of lists 18c in the flash memory 18.
Then, in step S102, the information on a predetermined number of upper
names each being large in number of the reproduction times is specified as the selection
candidates.
Subsequently, in step S103, the processing for sequentially displaying the track
names specified as the selection candidates is executed. That is, the control for the
display control portion 14 is performed such that the pieces of information on the track
names are displayed so as to be sequentially replaced with one another on a one-by-one
basis on the display portion 15 with the information on the track names specified as the
selection candidates in such a manner as objects over a predetermined period of time
which is previously determined as the sequential display time.
At that, as previously stated too, all the objects of selection candidate
information cannot be sequentially displayed within the sequential display time (within
three seconds in this embodiment) depending on the number of objects of selection
candidate information which is sequentially displayed in some cases. In such cases,
the instruction is issued so that the objects of selection candidate information which can
be displayed in its number within the set sequential display time are supplied to the
display control portion 14, and the objects of selection candidate information are
displayed so as to be sequentially replaced with one another on one-by-one basis on the
display portion 15.
Incidentally, this is also applied to cases of step S204 (refer to FIG. 19) and
step S304 (refer to FIG 20) which will be described later.
After the sequential display processing is executed, a random number is
generated in step S104. Subsequently, in step S105, the track name corresponding to
the generated random number is selected and determined from the track names specified
as the selection candidates. In this case, the controller 6 manages the information on
the track names specified as the selection candidates based on the information on
numbers of 1 to n for example allocated to the respective track names. Thus, the
controller 6 selects and determines the information on the track name having the
number corresponding to the generated random number.
Moreover, in step SI06, the controller 6 executes processing for displaying the
information on the track name determined in such a manner for a predetermined period
of time. That is to say, the controller 6 issues an instruction to supply the information
on the determined track name to the display control portion 14 to display that
information supplied thereto on the display portion 15 for a predetermined period of
time. As previously stated too, in this case, the information on the determined track
name is displayed over 300 ms for example.
After this, in step SI07, processing for starting to reproduce the determined
track is executed. That is to say, the information on the contents ID made correspond
to the information on the detennined track name is acquired based on the contents
management information 18b and the processing for starting to reproduce the track,
specified by the contents ID, of the tracks stored as the contents data 18a is executed.
Subsequently, in step SI08, determination processing relating to whether or not
the FF operation is performed is executed. When a negation result is obtained in step
S108 because it is determined that the FF operation is not detected as the rotation
operation of the shuttle switch 8d shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the operation proceeds to
step S109 and determination processing relating to whether or not the reproduction of
the track is completed is executed. That is, the determination relating to whether or
not the track being reproduced is reproduced to the last is performed. When the
negation result is obtained in step S109 because it is detennined that the reproduction is
not completed, the operation returns back to step SI08 and the determination processing
relating to the FF operation is executed again.
Loop processing for waiting for any one of the FF operation and the
completion of reproduction of the track is formed thro ugh the processing of Steps S108,
S109toS108.
When an affirmation result is obtained in step SI09 because it is determined
that the reproduction of the track is completed, a random number is generated in step
S110. Then, the operation proceeds to step Sill, and the track corresponding to the
generated random number is selected and determined from the tracks specified as the
selection candidates in step S102. In step S112, processing for starting to reproduce
the determined track is executed. After such a new track is started to be reproduced,
the operation returns back to step S108 as shown in the figure.
Here, the selection based on the random number is performed such that the
same selection candidate is not continuously selected. However, the same selection
candidate is continuously selected at relatively high frequency in some cases. As a
result, there is the possibility that the meaning of the shuffle is reduced. Then, the
shuffle reproduction may be performed such that the same track is not selected until
each of the tracks specified as the selection candidates is at least selected once in turn
(i.e., until all the tracks are reproduced once). Such an operation, for example, can be
realized by adding processing for checking the reproduced tracks and for, when the
track selected based on the random number by selection has been checked, generating a
random number again to reselect the selection candidate.
In addition, when an affirmation result is obtained in step S108 because it is
determined that the FF operation is performed, the operation proceeds to step SI 13 and
the reproduction is stopped. Thereafter, the operation returns back to step SI03 and
the sequential display processing for the track names specified as the selection
candidates is executed again.
That is to say, during the My Favorite Shuffle reproduction phase, the tracks
are reselected based on the shuffle by the lottery in correspondence to the FF operation
during the reproduction of the track by executing such a processing operation.
Incidentally, in this embodiment, it is referred to as "Reshuffle" that the
information specified as the selection candidate information is reselected by the lottery
in correspondence to the user operation based on the shuffle.
Here, when during such Reshuffle phase as well, the selection is performed
based on the random number, there is also the possibility that the same track is selected
at the relatively high frequency. Thus, there is the possibility that the meaning of the
shuffle reproduction is reduced. Then, during such a Reshuffle phase as well, the
reproduction may also be performed such that similarly to the reselecting of the track by
the lottery after completion of the track reproduction, the same track is not selected until
each of the tracks specified as the selection candidates is selected once in turn.
It should be noted that while a description based on illustration is omitted here,
processing for waiting for the FR operation and for performing the heading for the track
being reproduced in correspondence to the FR operation is actually added to the
processing operation shown in the figure.
In addition, while a description of this based on illustration is also omitted
here, the controller 6 executes processing for monitoring the stopping operation by
operating the PLAY/STOP key 8c in parallel with the processing shown in the figure.
In correspondence to the stopping operation, the processing operation shown in the
figure is completed and reproduction stopping processing is executed.
It should be noted that the processing corresponding to the FR operation, and
the stopping operation by the PLAY/STOP key 8c is also similarly executed even in
parallel with a processing operation, shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, which will be described
below.
Subsequently, FIG. 19 shows a processing operation which is to be performed
after the Artist Link Shuffle reproducing function is selected and determined.
Referring to FIG 19, firstly, in step S201, reference is made to the artist link
list in correspondence to selection and determination of the Artist Link List Shuffle
reproducing function on the I.S. selection screen.
Then, in step S202, determination processing relating to whether or not there
are a plurality of key Arts in the artist link list is executed. That is, there is performed
the determination relating to whether or not a plurality of objects of information on the
artist names as the key Arts to be arranged in the first hierarchy exist in the artist link
list described with reference to FIG. 6.
When a negation result is obtained in step S202 because it is determined that
one key Art exists in the artist link list, the operation proceeds to step S219 and the
shuffle reproduction is performed with the tracks within the list of the corresponding
key Art as objects. More specifically, all the tracks made correspond to the unit (the
key Art and the related Art) made correspond to the one key Art in the artist link list are
treated as candidate selection candidates, and under this condition, processing in steps
S211 to S216 and S218 in the figure is executed. At that, in this case, the track which
is firstly reproduced may be made the track, in a predetermined position, such as the
track in the head position on the artist link list. Alternatively, the track which is firstly
reproduced may be made one which is selected by using the random number.
On the other hand, when an affirmation result is obtained in step S202 because
it is determined that there are a plurality of key Arts, in step S203, all the key Arts are
specified as the selection candidates. That is to say, the information on the all the artist
names, as the key Arts, arranged in the first hierarchy on the artist link list is specified
as the selection candidates.
Then, in step S204, the sequential display processing is executed for the key
Arts specified as the selection candidates. That is, the display control portion 14 is
instructed to cause the display portion 15 to make display such that the pieces of
information on the artist names are displayed so as to be sequentially replaced with one
another by a one-by-one basis with the information on the artist names, as the key Arts,
specified as the selection candidates in such a manner as objects over a predetermined
period of time previously determined as the sequential display time.
After the sequential display processing is executed, a random number is
generated in step S205, and in step S206, the key Art corresponding to the generated
random number is selected and determined from the key Arts (the information on the
artist names) specified as the selection candidates. In this case as well, the controller 6
manages the information on the artist names specified as the selection candidates based
on the corresponding numbers of 1 to n for example, and selects and determines the
information on the artist name having the number corresponding to the generated
random number.
Then, in step S207, the information on the number of related Arts is acquired
based on the list information on the determined key Art. That is, the number of related
Arts made correspond to the determined key Art in the second hierarchy in the artist link
list is counted, and the count value is obtained as the information on the number of
related Arts.
Moreover, in step S208, there is executed processing for displaying the
information on the artist name as the determined key Art for a predetermined period of
time. In addition, in step S209, there is executed processing for displaying the
information on the number of acquired related Arts for a predetermined period of time.
Incidentally, as previously stated too, the information on the determined artist
name and the information on the number of related Arts are displayed over 300 ms for
example.
After this, in step S210, there is executed processing for starting the
reproduction from a predetermined track within the list of the determined key Art.
That is, a predetermined track name such as a track name located in the head
on the list is selected and determined from the track names made correspond to the unit
(the key Art and the related Art) made correspond to the determined key Art within the
artist link list.
Then, there is executed processing for acquiring the information on the
contents ID made correspond to the information on the determined track name in the
contents management information 18b and for starting to reproduce the track, specified
based on the contents ID, of the tracks stored as the contents data 18a.
Incidentally, as previously stated too, the track to be reproduced can be
determined by generating the random number and by selecting and determining the
track corresponding to the random number with all the tracks made correspond to the
unit of (the determined key Art and the related Art) as objects in addition to selecting
and determining the track located in the head on the list as the reproduction start track in
such a manner.
Subsequently, in step S211, there is executed determination processing relating
to whether or not the Reshuffle operation is performed.
The Reshuffle operation is the FF operation when the shuttle switch 8d is slid
to the album position.
Here, in the Artist Link Shuffle reproduction, the shuffle objects are not the
tracks as in the above-mentioned My Favorite Shuffle reproduction, but the artists.
However, in order to enable the tracks to be skipped, the normal FF operation needs to
also be made possible even in the Artist Link Shuffle reproduction. Then, both the
Reshuffle instruction in this case and the skip instruction about the tracks become
possible by not allocating the normal FF operation (the FF operation when the shuttle
switch 8d is in the track position), but allocating the FF operation when the shuttle
switch 8d is in the album position thereto.
When a negation result is obtained in step S211 because it is determined that
no Reshuffle operation as the FF operation when the shuttle switch 8d is in the album
position is detected, the operation proceeds to step S212 and there is executed
determination processing relating to whether or not the FF operation (the normal FF
operation that is the FF operation when the shuttle switch 8d is in the track position).
When a negation result is obtained in step S212 because it is determined that no FF
operation is performed, the operation proceeds to step S213 and there is executed
determination processing relating to whether or not the reproduction of the track is
completed. When a negation result is obtained in step S213 because it is determined
that no reproduction of the track is completed, the operation returns back to step S211
and determination processing about the Reshuffle operation is executed again.
In this case, loop processing for waiting for any one of the Reshuffle operation,
the FF operation, and the completion of the reproduction of the track is formed by
executing the processing of steps S211, S212, S213, to S211.
On the other hand, when an affirmation result is obtained in step S213 because
it is determined that the reproduction of the track is completed, in this case as well,
similarly to the above-mentioned My Favorite Shuffle reproduction phase, the shuffle
reproduction within the range of the tracks specified as the selection candidates is
performed.
That is to say, firstly, in step S214, a random number is generated. Then, the
operation proceeds to step S215, and the track corresponding to the generated random
number is selected and determined from the tracks within the list of the key Art
determined in step S206 (i.e., from the tracks made correspond to the unit made
correspond to the key Art). After this, in step S216, processing for starting to
reproduce the determined track is executed. After the reproduction is started for such a
new track, as shown in the figure, the operation returns back to step S211.
At that, in this case as well, the reproduced tracks are checked in order to
prevent the same track from being selected until each of the tracks specified as the
selection objects is at least selected once in turn. When the track selected based on the
random number is checked, processing for generating the random number again to
reselect the track can also be added.
Subsequently, when an affirmation result is obtained in step S211 because it is
determined that the Reshuffle operation is performed, the operation proceeds to step
S217 and the reproduction is stopped. Thereafter, the operation returns back to step
S204 and the sequential display processing for the key Arts specified as the selection
candidates is executed again.
That is to say, during the Artist Link Shuffle reproduction phase, the Reshuffle
for the key Arts is performed in correspondence to the Reshuffle operation during the
track reproduction by executing such a processing operation.
At that, in the case of the Reshuffle of the key Arts as well, the selected key
Arts are checked in order to prevent the same key Art from being selected until each of
the key Arts is at least selected once in turn. When the key Art selected based on the
random number is checked, the random number is generated again to reselect key Art.
This processing may also be added.
On the other hand, when an affirmation result is obtained in step S212 because
it is determined that the FF operation is performed, after the operation proceeds to step
S218 and the reproduction is stopped, the operation proceeds to step S214 which is
previously described. As a result, the next track is selected through the shuffle by the
lottery to start the reproduction in accordance with an instruction to skip any of the
reproduced tracks by the FF operation.
In addition, FIG. 20 shows a processing operation which is to be performed
after the Time Machine Shuffle reproducing function is selected and determined.
Referring to FIG 20, firstly, in step S301, reference is made to the released
year list in correspondence to selecting and determining the Time Machine Shuffle
reproducing function on the I.S. selection screen.
Then, in step S302, there is executed determination processing relating to
whether or not there are a plurality of released years in that released year list. That is,
there is performed determination relating to whether or not a plurality of objects f
information on the released years which are to be arranged in the first hierarchy exist in
the released year list described with reference to FIG 7.
When a negation result is obtained in step S3 02 because it is determined that
there is only one object of information on the released years, the operation proceeds to
step S317, and the shuffle reproduction is performed with the tracks within the list of
the corresponding released year. More specifically, processing of steps S310 to S314
and S316 is executed with all the tracks made correspond to the one released year in the
released year list (selection candidates). Incidentally, in this case as well, the track
which is to be firstly reproduced is made one, in a predetermined position, such as the
track in the head position on the list, or one selected and determined by using the
random number.
On the other hand, when an affirmation result is obtained in step S302 because
it is determined that there are a plurality of key Arts, in step S303, all the released years
on the released year list are specified as the selection candidates.
Then, in step S304, the sequential display processing is executed for the
released years specified as the selection candidates. That is, the display control portion
14 is instructed to make the display such that the objects of information on the released
years are displayed so as to be sequentially replaced with one another on a one-by-one
basis on the display portion 15 with the information on the released years specified as
the selection candidates in such a manner for a predetermined period of time previously
determined as the sequential display time.
After the sequential display processing is executed, a random number is
generated in step S305, and in step S306, the released year corresponding to the
generated random number is selected and determined from the released years specified
as the selection candidates. In this case as well, the controller 6 manages the
information on the released years specified as the selection candidates based on the
corresponding numbers of 1 to n for example, and selects and determines the
information on the released year having the number corresponding to the generated
random number.
Then, in step S307, there is executed processing for displaying the information
on the determined released year for a predetermined period of time. Incidentally, as
previously stated, such information on the released year is also displayed over 300 ms
for example.
After this, in step S308, there is executed processing for starting the
reproduction from the predetermined track of the determined released year.
That is, the predetermined track name such as the track name located in the
head on the list is selected and determined from the track names made correspond to the
determined released year in the released year list. Then, the information on the
contents ID made correspond to the information on the determined track name is
acquired from the contents management information 18b. Also, there is executed
processing for starting to reproduce the track, specified with the contents ID, of the
tracks stored as the contents data 18a.
At that, in this case as well, the track to be started to be reproduced can also be
determined by generating the random number, and by selecting and determining the
track corresponding to the random number with all the tracks made correspond to the
released year as objects.
Subsequently, in step S309, there is executed determination processing relating
to whether or not the Reshuffle operation is performed. That is to say, in this case as
well, since the shuffle objects are not the tracks, but the released years, the FF operation
for issuing an instruction to skip any of the normal tracks and the shuffle operation for
shuffling the released years are performed separately from each other. It should be
noted that the FF operation when the shuttle switch 8d is in the album position is
allocated to the shuffle operation as well in this case.
When a negation result is obtained in step S309 because it is determined that
no shuffle operation as the FF operation when the shuttle switch 8d is in such an album
position is detected, the operation proceeds to step S310 and there is executed
determination processing for determining whether or not the FF operation (the normal
FF operation that is the FF operation when the shuttle switch 8d is in the track position)
is performed. When a negation result is obtained in step S310 because it is determined
that no FF operation is performed, the operation proceeds to step S311 and there is
executed determination processing for determining whether or not the reproduction of
the track is completed. When a negation result is obtained in step S311 because it is
determined that no reproduction of the track is completed, the operation returns back to
step S309 and the determination processing for the shuffle operation is executed again.
In this case as well, loop processing for waiting for any one of the shuffle
operation, the FF operation, and the completion of the reproduction of the track is
formed by executing such processing of steps S309, S310, S311, to S309.
On the other hand, when an affirmation result is obtained in step S311 because
it is determined that the reproduction of the track is completed, in this case as well,
similarly to each shuffle reproduction described above, the shuffle reproduction within
the range of the tracks specified as the selection candidates is executed.
That is to say, a random number is generated in step S312. Then, the
operation proceeds to step S313, and the track corresponding to the generated random
number is selected and determined from the tracks of the released year determined in
step S306. After this, in step S314, processing for starting to reproduce the determined
track is executed. After such a new track is started to be reproduced, as shown in the
figure, the operation returns back to step S309.
At that, in this case as well, the reproduced tracks are checked in order to
prevent the same track from being selected until each of the tracks specified as the
selection candidates is at least selected once in turn. When the track selected based on
the random number is checked, the random number is generated again to reselect the
track. This processing may also be added.
Subsequently, when an affirmation result is obtained in step S3 09 because it is
determined that the shuffle operation is performed, the operation proceeds to step S315
and the reproduction is stopped. Thereafter, the operation returns back to step S3 04,
and the sequential display processing is executed for the released years specified as the
selection candidates again.
That is to say, the Reshuffle for the released years is performed in
correspondence to the shuffle operation during the track reproduction in the Time
Machine Shuffle reproduction phase by performing such a processing operation.
At that, in the case of the Reshuffle as well of the released years, the selected
released years are checked in order to prevent the same released year from being
selected until each of the released years is at least selected once in turn. When the
released year selected based on the random number is checked, the random number is
generated again to reselect the released year. This processing may also be added.
On the other hand, when an affirmation result is obtained in step S310 because
it is determined that the FF operation is performed, the operation proceeds to step S316
and the reproduction is stopped. Thereafter, the operation proceeds to step S312 which
is previously described. As a result, the next track is selected through the shuffle and
the reproduction is started in accordance with an instruction to skip any of the
reproduced tracks by performing the FF operation.
While in FIGS. 18 to 20, after each shuffle reproduction is started, the tracks
within the reproduction object range are repeatedly reproduced until the stopping
operation is performed, the reproduction may also be automatically stopped after each
of the tracks within the reproduction object range is selected once in turn. More
specifically, in the case of the My Favorite Shuffle reproduction, the reproduction is
stopped after each of a predetermined number of upper tracks is selected once in turn.
In addition, in the case of the Artist Link Shuffle reproduction, the reproduction is
stopped after each of all the tracks made correspond to the unit made correspond to the
determined key Art is selected once in rum. Also, in the case of the Time Machine
Shuffle reproduction, the reproduction is stopped after each of all the tracks made
correspond to the determined released year is selected once in turn.
In realizing such an operation, processing for checking whether or not each of
all the tracks specified as falling within the reproduction object range is selected once in
turn and for stopping the reproduction in correspondence to that each of all the tracks is
selected once in turn may be added to each of the processing shown in FIGS. 18 to 20.
Here, as understood from the description as well until now, the shuffle
reproducing function and the sequential display function of this embodiment descried
with reference to FIGS. 14A to 16F are realized by performing the processing operation
shown in FIGS. 18 to 20. Then, such a processing operation is realized by the
reproduction-display program 9a stored in the recording/reproducing apparatus 2.
Thus, the shuffle reproducing function and the sequential display function of this
embodiment can be realized by executing the reproduction display program 9a.
At that, in the description until now, as regards "the sequential display", the
objects of selection candidate information are displayed so as to be sequentially
replaced with one another on a one-by-one basis on the display portion 15. However,
as regards the sequential display, the objects of selection candidate information may not
be displayed so as to be sequentially replaced with one another on a one-by-one basis,
but the objects of selection candidate information may be displayed so as to be
sequentially replaced with one another on a plural objects by plural objects.
FIG 21 shows an example in a case where the objects of selection candidate
information are displayed so as to be sequentially replaced with one another on a plural
objects by plural objects basis. It should be noted that while FIG 21 shows the
example in which the selection candidate information is the information on the released
years, the same display form can be adopted in a case as well where the selection
candidate information is other information.
As shown in FIG. 21, the sequential display in this case is set such that a
plurality of objects of selection candidate information (three pieces of selection
candidate information in the example shown in the figure) can be simultaneously
displayed on the display portion 15, and thus, a plurality of objects of selection
candidate information can be shown at a time from the list of the selection candidate
information which is scrolled in a predetermined direction.
It should be noted that the sequential display showing a plurality of objects of
selection candidate information at a time is not limited to the example shown in the
figure. For example, in the example of FIG 21, the objects of selection candidate
information at a time are displayed so as to be sequentially replaced with one another on
a plural objects by plural objects basis without performing the scroll. Thus, other
various ways are expected.
In addition, as for the sequential display, the objects of selection candidate
information can be displayed so as to be sequentially replaces with the objects of
selection candidate information in a cross-fade manner. That is, the display is
repeatedly made such that the selection candidate information being displayed is
gradually faded out, and the selection candidate information to be displayed next time is
superimposed on the fade-out display to be gradually faded in.
In addition, as regards the direction for the shuffle, the selection candidate
information being sequentially displayed can be displayed so as to swing in a plurality
of directions such as vertical and horizontal directions on the screen.
2. Functions Coping with Application in the Past>
Premise and Problems
Here, as touching thereon in the description as well of FIG 10, of the various
kinds of reproducing functions which the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 of this
embodiment has, the Intelligent Shuffle (I.S.) reproducing function and a part (the My
Favorite reproducing function and the Released year reproducing function) of the Music
Library (M.L.) reproducing function are the functions which are extended in the present
recording/reproducing apparatus 2. In addition, the M.L. reproducing function (the All
Track, Artist, Album, Genre, and Playlist reproducing functions) other than those
reproducing functions are the functions in the past.
Then, the contents management application 30a on the personal computer 3
side is also extended in function from the contents management application
corresponding to the apparatus in the past, in correspondence to the present function
75
extension.
FIG 22 schematically shows a structure of the data file which is generated by
the present contents management application 30a and downloaded into the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side.
As a premise, as previously described too, the recording/reproducing apparatus
2 is the apparatus corresponding to the USB mass storage class. Thus, when the
personal computer 3 and the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 are connected to each
other, the personal computer 3 recognizes the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 as an
outside storage apparatus. FIG 22 shows, when the personal computer 3 side
recognizes the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 as the outside storage apparatus in
such a manner, an actual structure of the data which contains the contents data 18a, the
contents management information 18b, and the various kinds of lists 18c stored in the
flash memory 18 on the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side and which is
downloaded from the personal computer 3 side into the recording/reproducing apparatus
2.
As shown in FIG 22, two areas, i.e., an area (an area indicated by A1 in the
figure) in which the various kinds of files required to realize the function in the past are
stored, and an area (an area indicated by A2 in the figure) in which the file added in
order to realize the present extension function is stored are prepared for the data which
is downloaded from the personal computer 3 side into the recording/reproducing
apparatus 2 to be stored in the flash memory 18.
Under a directory called "OMG AUDIO", as shown in the figure, a group tree
list file, a group tree fringe file, a basic group tree management file, an extension group
tree management file, a group fringe file, a contents fringe file, contents files in a
contents storage directory, a contents ID list file, etc. are stored in the area Al.
The group tree list file is a list file of a reproduction list. The reproduction list
means information representing the reproduction order of the tracks which are classified
and managed in predetermined numbers. A list which is automatically generated based
on the additive information of the contents classified and managed in albums or in
artists is also contained together with the playlist which is generated based on the user
operation in the group tree list file.
The reproduction files such as the playlist which are classified in albums are
actually managed in the form of a tree structure called a group tree.
In addition, the group tree fringe file is a file in which fringe data having the
additive information such as titles for the group trees is stored.
The basic group tree management file is a default reproduction list, i.e., the socalled
TOC file in which the contents management order is defined. Incidentally, as
shown in the figure, an area in which the update time information of the file is recorded
is secured within the basic group tree management file.
In addition, the extension group tree management file is a file in which the
reproduction order of the tracks is defined separately from the default reproduction list.
In this case, the extension group tree management file may be expected as having the
same meaning as that of the playlist or the reproduction list which is managed in
albums.
The group fringe file is a file in which fringe data (additive information) for the
groups defined in the respective group trees is stored.
In addition, the contents fringe file is a file in which fringe data (additive
information) of the tracks (contents files) as the contents is stored.
In this case, the contents files are stored in the contents file storage directory.
List information on the contents ID for uniquely defining these contents files is stored in
the form of the contents ID list file shown in the figure.
In addition, in FIG. 22, a directory called "C2" and a directory called "AURA"
exist in the area A2. Of these directories, a file called a C2 detection file for
realization of the present extension function is stored under the directory "AURA".
That is to say, the list information on the order list for reproduction times, the artist link
list, and the released year list is stored in the C2 detection file.
In addition, as shown in the figure, an area in which the update time
information on the file is provided within the C2 detection file.
Here, the function in the past is the function which is realized by using the
contents management application and the recording/reproducing apparatus in the past.
From such a premise in the past, in realizing the present function extension, the data
structure is adopted in which the area A2 required to realize the present extension
function is added to the area A1 required for realization of the function in the past.
By adopting such a data structure, the area A1 shown in FIG 22 can be
maintained by the contents management application in the past as well.
In addition, the present contents management application 30a adapted to realize
the present extension function as well as the function in the past can maintain the area
A2 as well as the area Al.
In this connection, for the present recording/reproducing apparatus 2, the
contents management application in the past can maintain the area A1 in the manner as
described above. Thus, the combination of the present recording/reproducing
apparatus 2 with the contents management application in the past results in that the
personal computer 3 side can also download the contents managed by the application in
the past into the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side.
However, even when the contents data can be downloaded in such a manner,
the contents management application in the past has no function of generating the
various kinds of lists required to realize the present extension functions (the I.S.
reproducing function, and the My Favorite reproducing function and the Released year
reproducing function of the M.L. reproducing function). Thus, up to the list
information thereon is not downloaded. Consequently, when the data managed by the
contents management application in the past is downloaded into the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side in such a manner, the reproducing functions in
the past can be realized, while when the instructions to perform the respective extension
functions are issued, the reproducing operation is performed in a state in which there is
no necessary information. As a result, there is the possibility that nonconformity
occurs in the recording/reproducing apparatus 2.
In addition, in a case as well where the tracks for several objects of music, for
example, are additionally downloaded by the application in the past after for example,
the contents data was downloaded previously by the present contents management
application 30a in addition to the case where the data is downloaded into the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side by only the application in the past in such a
manner, there is the possibility that a problem arises.
In this case, even when the added tracks are managed by the application in the
past and thus they are downloaded into the recording/reproducing apparatus 2, the
additive information thereon (the information on the track names, the artist names, and
the released years) is not reflected to the lists required for realization of the present
extension functions. Hence, in this case, with the reproduction extension functions,
the reproduction cannot be performed with the added tracks as the objects of the
reproduction.
Since the user has the intention of adding the tracks, as a matter of course,
there is the possibility that he/she supposes that those tracks are also treated as the
objects of the reproduction with the extended functions. In spite of this, if any of the
added tracks is not contained in the reproduction range, the user is quite capable of
being thrown into confusion.
Operation of Recording/Reproducing System
In this embodiment, an operation for limiting the execution of the present
extended functions in correspondence to a data update state of the flash memory 18 is
performed in order to prevent the nonconformity and user confusion when the
maintenance is performed by such a application in the past.
Here, according to the description until now, even when the contents data is
downloaded even once by the present contents management application 30a, no
nonconformity accompanying the issue of the instructions to perform the reproducing
operation by using the extended functions is caused since the necessary lists such as the
order list for reproduction times, the artist link list, and the released year list exist.
Here, from this, it is determined whether or not the contents data is
downloaded even once by the present contents management application 30a. When it
is determined that no contents data is downloaded by the present contents management
application 30a, the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side disables any of the extended
reproducing functions to be performed. As a result, it is possible to avoid the
execution of the reproducing operation using the extended functions in the state in
which there is no necessary list, and it is possible to prevent the nonconformity from
being caused in the recording/reproducing apparatus 2.
contents management application 30a
As will be described below, the reason for this is that if the update right before
the download is performed by the present contents management application 30a, the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side is usually maintained in a state in which the
reproducing operations can be performed by using the extended functions.
Here, while a description of this has been omitted for the sake of convenience,
the present contents management application 30a is provided with a function as well of,
when there are the tracks downloaded by the contents management application in the
past in the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side after the present contents
management application 30a is connected to the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side,
updating the lists comprising of the order list for reproduction times, the artist link list,
and the released year list into the lists to which the information on those tracks is also
reflected.
In this case, the present contents management application 30a, for example,
can specify the tracks added to the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side by the
application in the past by confirming the coherency between the area A1 and the area
A2 shown in FIG. 22. That is to say, as understood from the descriptions given with
reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, the order list for reproduction times, the artist link list, and the
released year list which are stored in the area A2 should become the lists with all the
contents files (tracks) stored in the area A1 as the objects. Thus, any one of these lists
is treated as the object and all the tracks existing in the list concerned are compared with
all the tracks stored in the area A1. When there is the track not existing on the list
concerned in the area A1, the track concerned can be judged to be one which is added
by the application in the past.
It should be noted that the technique for specifying the track added by the
application in the past is not limited to the technique described herein, and thus the
various techniques may be expected.
After the track added by the application in the past is specified, the information
on the number of the reproduction times, the information on the artist name and the
related artist, and the information on the released year are acquired which are made
correspond to the specified track, and the information on the lists comprising of the
order list for reproduction times, the artist link list, and the released year list which are
to be downloaded into the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side is updated based on
the these pieces of the information.
The list information which is updated in such a manner is downloaded into the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side, whereby the recording/reproducing apparatus 2
side can normally perform the reproducing operation even for the track added by the
application in the past based on the present extended functions.
Since the present contents management application 30a is provided with the
function of updating the various kinds of lists, if the update right before the
predetermined operation (download) is performed by the present contents management
application 30a, the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side can normally perform the
reproduction based on the extended functions.
On the other hand, if the update right before the predetermined operation is
performed by the application in the past, there is the possibility that the track is added in
which the additive information thereof is not reflected to the various kinds of lists.
Thus, there is the possibility that the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side cannot
normally perform the reproduction based on the extended functions.
Then, in a case where the update was performed previously by the present
contents management application 30a, but the update right before the predetermined
operation is not performed by the present contents management application 30a, i.e., in
a case where there is the track added by the application in the past, and there is the
possibility that the additive information on that track is not reflected to the various kinds
of lists required for realization of the extended functions, the recording/reproducing
apparatus 2 side puts restrictions thereon so that the I.S. reproducing function and the
part (the My Favorite reproducing function and the Released year reproducing function)
of the M.L. reproducing functions as the present extended functions are not performed.
That is, in order to prevent the user from being confused due to the
impossibility of the reproduction based on the extended functions for the added track as
described above, in this case, the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side puts
restrictions thereon so that any of those reproducing function cannot be performed.
On the other hand, if the update right before the predetermined operation is
performed by the present contents management application 30a, the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 performs the operation as usual. That is, the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 permits the present extended reproducing functions
to be performed.
In order to realize the operation described above, the recording/reproducing
apparatus 2 side needs to judge whether or not the update was performed previously by
the present contents management application 30a and whether or not the update right
before the predetermined operation is performed by the present contents management
application 30a.
The former, i.e., the judgment relating to whether or not the update was
performed previously by the present contents management application 30a can be
performed by determining from the data structure within the flash memory 18 shown in
the FIG 22 whether or not there is even one file in the area A2. That is to say, the
reason for this is that the area A2 is the area which can be maintained by the present
contents management application 30a.
For example, in this case, whether or not the update was performed previously
by the present contents management application 30a is determined depending on
whether or not the C2 detection file exists in the area A2 within the flash memory 18.
In addition, whether or not the update right before the predetermined operation
is performed by the present contents management application 30a is judged by
determining whether or not a plurality of pieces of update time information shown in
FIG 22 agree with one another.
As previously stated too, the present contents management application 30a can
maintain both the areas A1 and A2. At this time, an area in which the update time
information of the file recorded is provided in the basic group tree management file in
the area A1. For this reason, the present contents management application 30a is
adapted to record the update time information within the basic group tree management
file. In addition, an area in which the same file update time information recorded is
provided in the C2 detection file as well within the area A2. For this reason, the
present contents management application 30a which can maintain both the areas A1 and
A2 is adapted to record both the pieces of the update time information after the update
of the data. That is to say, when the present contents management application 30a
updates the data based on this, the pieces of update time information agree with each
other in both the areas.
On the other hand, since the application in the past can maintain the area A1,
the update time information is recorded in the area Al.
On the basis of this, in this case, the recording/reproducing apparatus 2
determines whether or not both the update time information within the area A1 (basic
group tree management file) and the update time information within the area A2 (C2
detection file) agree with each other. When both the objects of the update time
information agree with each other, it is determined that the update right before the
predetermined operation is performed by the present contents management application
30a. On the other hand, when both the objects of the update time information do not
agree with each other, it is determined that the update right before the predetermined
operation is performed by the application in the past.
In addition, an operation for limiting the reproduction based on the extended
functions which is performed in correspondence to both a case where the determination
results show that no update was performed even once in the past by the present contents
management application 30a and a case where the determination results show that the
update was performed once by the present contents management application 30a, but
the update right before the predetermined operation is not performed by the present
contents management application 30a is concretely performed in the manner as shown
in FIGS. 23A and 23B.
FIGS. 23 A and 23B show examples of screen display on the display portion 15
when such reproduction based on the extended functions is limited. FIG. 23A shows a
display example of a function selection screen (refer to FIG. 11) for limitation of the I.S.
reproducing functions.
In addition, FIG. 23B shows a display example of an M.L. selection portion
(G3 in FIG. 11) for limitation of the part of the M.L. reproducing function as the
extended functions.
Firstly, when the I.S. reproducing function is limited in the manner as shown in
FIG 23 A, the so-called gray-out display (the display lightness of this icon is made
darker than that of any of the icons representing other reproducing functions) is
performed for the icon representing the I.S. reproducing function in the function
selection screen. In addition, the control is performed such that the icon representing
the I.S. reproducing function is disabled to be selected. That is, the function in the past
comprising of the M.L. reproducing function and the FM reproducing function can be
selected and determined in the function selection screen in this case.
As a result, it is possible to prevent the instruction to perform the I.S.
reproducing function from being issued.
In addition, in limiting the part (the My Favorite reproduction function and the
Released year reproduction function) of the M.L. reproducing function as the extended
functions, the icon representing the My Favorite reproduction function and the icon
representing the Released year reproduction function on the M.L. selection screen are
displayed in the form of gray-out as shown in FIG 23B. Thus, the control is
performed such that those reproducing functions cannot be selected. That is to say, as
a result, it is possible to prevent the instruction to perform the part of the M.L.
reproducing function as the extended functions from being issued.
By performing the operation as described above, any of the extended
reproducing functions can be controlled so as not to be performed in correspondence to
the case where the data downloaded by the application in the past is stored on the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side, and the case where the update was performed in
the past by the present contents management application 30a, but the update right before
the predetermined operation is not performed by the present contents management
application 30a (i.e., the case where there is the possibility that the track is added by the
application in the past).
Incidentally, while in this exemplary embodiment, in order to disable the
instruction to perform the extended reproducing functions to be issued, the icon
representing the corresponding function is displayed in the form of gray-out, even when
for example, no corresponding icon is displayed, the same effects as those of the
foregoing can be obtained. Alternatively, though the corresponding icon is displayed
as usual, the determination operation for the icon concerned is not accepted, whereby it
is possible to prevent any of the extended reproducing functions from being performed.
Now, in this case, if the function limiting operation as described above is
performed without giving the user a previous notice, he/she cannot grasp the cause of
the limitation, and thus may be confused.
Thus, in response to the establishment of the conditions about the limitation
operation extension, a notice sentence as shown in FIG 24 is displayed on the display
portion 15 at timing (e.g., upon release of the USB connection) at which the data update
(download) from the personal computer 3 side into the recording/reproducing apparatus
2 side is completed. For example, "A part of the functions cannot be used. Use the
corresponding application in order to use all the functions", etc. are displayed as the
notice sentence.
In such a manner, a message is displayed which gives the user a previous
notice showing the effect that a part of the functions cannot be used, whereby it is
possible to prevent the user from being confused.
In addition, when the message for urging the user to use the corresponding
application (the contents management application 30a in this case) is displayed together
as in this example, it is possible to urge the user to set the recording/reproducing
apparatus 2 in a state in which the normal reproduction can be performed by using the
function of updating the various kinds of lists by the previously stated contents
management application 30a. That is, it is possible to provide the solution for setting
the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 in a state in which all the reproducing functions
can be used as usual.
Now, the description has been given by setting that the download of the
contents performed between the personal computer 3 and the recording/reproducing
apparatus 2 is normally completed forth as a premise until now. However, it is also
guessed that during the data update for example, the USB cable is pulled out, thereby
interrupting the connection.
When during the data update, the connection is interrupted in such a manner,
the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side cannot perfectly update the data. Thus,
even when the connection is interrupted in such a manner, if the recording/reproducing
apparatus 2 side reproduces the contents, there is the possibility that the nonconformity
occurs in point of that the contents are reproduced in a state in which there is no
necessary data.
Then, the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 detects such an interrupt together,
and when detecting the interrupt, prohibits all the reproducing functions from being
performed.
More specifically, such an interrupt is detected based on presence or absence of
a confirmation file which is generated upon the establishment of the connection
between the personal computer 3 and the recording/reproducing apparatus 2, and erased
upon the completion of the data update.
Here, the contents management application 30a is provided with a function, as
a contents downloading function, of generating the confirmation file as described above
(called a half-way disconnection confirmation file as well) to record the confirmation
file in the flash memory 18 side upon the establishment of the connection between the
personal computer 3 and the recording/reproducing apparatus 2, and of erasing the
confirmation file upon completion of the data update. Such a function of
recording/erasing the confirmation file is one with which the contents management
application in the past is also provided.
Upon disconnection of the connection, the recording/reproducing apparatus 2
side determines in correspondence to the function of recording/erasing the confirmation
file whether or not the confirmation file exists in the flash memory 18. When
determining that the confirmation file remains in the flash memory 18, the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side prohibits the contents data from being
reproduced because it is judged that the update is interrupted halfway. More
specifically, as for the prohibition of the reproduction, all the key operation inputs from
the operation portion 8 are not accepted.
Performing such a reproduction prohibiting operation results in that it is
possible to prevent the contents data from being reproduced in the state in which there is
no necessary data, and thus it is possible to effectively prevent the nonconformity from
occurring.
At that, in this case as well, when the user is not given the previous notice in
the form of a message sentence or the like, there is the possibility that the user is
confused.
Then, in this case, a warning sentence as shown in FIG. 25 is displayed on the
display portion 15 in correspondence to that during the disconnection of the connection
as described above, the confirmation file remains in the flash memory 18.
For example, "There is no database. Perform the connection to the
corresponding application", etc. are displayed as the warning sentence. Displaying the
message, such as "There is no database", for informing the user of the effect that the
data update is imperfect results in that it is possible to prevent the user from being
confused along with the prohibition of the reproduction.
In addition, when the message for urging the user to perform the connection to
the corresponding application is displayed together as in this example, similarly to the
display of the notice sentence during the previously stated limiting operation, the user is
urged to perform the connection again, whereby it is possible to urge the user to set the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 in a state in which the normal reproduction becomes
possible.
Processing Operation
FIG 24 is a flow chart showing a processing operation to be performed in order
to realize the operation which is performed in correspondence to the file update phase
described above.
Incidentally, the controller 6 in the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 performs
the processing operation shown in the figure. That is to say, as described with
reference to FIG 8 too, the controller 6 performs the processing operation shown in the
figure in accordance with the update phase processing program 9b stored in the memory
9.
Referring to FIG 24, firstly, in step S401, the controller 6 waits for the
disconnection (release of connection) of the connection to the personal computer 3 side.
The USB controller 16 shown in FIG. 8, for example, can determine presence or
absence of the disconnection of the connection to the personal computer 3 side based on
presence or absence of a connection release notification which is made upon release of
the connection to the personal computer 3.
When determining that the disconnection was made, in step S402, the
controller 6 determines whether or not there is a half-way disconnection confirmation
file. That is, the controller 6 determines whether or not the half-way disconnection
confirmation file remains in the flash memory 18. When an affirmation result is
obtained in step S402 because it is determined that the half-way disconnection
confirmation file remains in the flash memory 18, the operation proceeds to step S406
and the controller 6 executes processing for making the operation mode proceed to a
reproduction prohibition mode. That is, the controller 6 sets its own mode as the
reproduction prohibition mode so as to obtain a state of not accepting all the key inputs
from the operation portion 8 on and after this.
As a result, the previously stated reproduction prohibiting operation is realized.
Thus, it is possible to prevent the contents data from being reproduced in the state in
which there is no necessary data, and it is possible to effectively prevent the
nonconformity from occurring.
Subsequently, in step S407, the controller 6 executes a warning sentence
displaying processing. That is, the controller 6 supplies the warning message data
(display data) such as "There is no database. Perform the connection to the
corresponding application" which is set in advance to the display control portion 14,
and issues an instruction to display that warning message data on the display portion 15
over a predetermined period of time.
Incidentally, in this case, for example, about three seconds are set as the display
time of the warning sentence.
On the other hand, when a negation result is obtained in step S402 because it is
determined that there is no half-way disconnection confirmation file, in step S403, the
controller 6 determines whether or not there is the file in the area A2. That is to say, in
this case, the controller 6 determines whether or not there is the C2 detection file as the
file of the areaA2.
When a negation result is obtained in step S403 because it is determined that
there is no C2 detection file, the operation proceeds to step S408, and the controller 6
executes processing for making the operation made proceed to the function mode in the
past. Here, the case where no C2 detection file remains in the flash memory 18 means
that the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 is not updated even once by the present
contents management application 30a. Consequently, according to the previously
stated description about the operation, in this case, the icon representing the I.S.
reproducing function is displayed in the form of gray-out in the function selection
screen to disable that icon to be selected. Also, the icon representing the My Favorite
reproducing function and the icon representing the Released year reproducing function
are displayed in the form of gray-out each in the M.L. selection screen to disable these
icons to be selected.
The processing for making the operation mode proceed to the function mode in
the past in step S408 is processing in which the controller 6 sets its own mode so that
during in displaying the function selection screen and the M.L. selection screen in such
a manner, the corresponding icons are displayed in the form of gray-out each to disable
those icons to be selected.
The reproducing functions as the extended functions are disabled to be
performed in correspondence to that the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 is not
updated even once by the present management contents application 30a, whereby it is
possible to prevent the contents data from being reproduced in the state in which there is
no necessary data and it is possible to effectively prevent the nonconformity from
occurring.
Subsequently, in step S409, the controller 6 executes processing for displaying
a notice sentence. That is to say, the controller 6 supplies the message data such as "A
part of the functions cannot be used. Use the corresponding application in order to use
all the functions", and issues the instruction to display the message data on the display
portion 15 for the predetermined period of time.
Displaying such a notice sentence results in that as previously stated, it is
possible to prevent the user from being confused, and it is possible to urge the user to
set the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 in the state in which the normal reproduction
becomes possible.
At that, for example, about three seconds are set as the display period of time
for the notice sentence.
On the other hand, when an affirmation result is obtained in step S403 because
it is determined that there is the file in the area A2, in step S404, the controller 6
determines whether or not pieces of update time information of both the areas A1 and
A2 agree with each other. That is to say, the controller 6 determines whether or not the
agreement is obtained between the update time information within the basic group tree
management file under the "OMG AUDIO" directory in the area A1 and the update time
information within the C2 detection file under "AURA" in the area A2.
When a negation result is obtained in step S404 because it is determined that
the both the objects of update time information do not agree with each other, the
operation proceeds to step S408 previously stated. After executing the processing for
making the operation mode proceed to the function mode in the past in step S408, the
controller 6 executes the processing for displaying the notice sentence in step S409.
Here, the case where the negation result is obtained in step S404 corresponds
to a case where while it is determined in the determination processing in step S403 that
the update is performed once by the present management contents application 30a, it is
determined based on the disagreement between the two objects of update time
information that the update right before the predetermined operation is not performed
by the present management contents application 30a.
Consequently, according to the processing operation when the negation result
is obtained in step S404, the proceeding for making the operation mode proceed to the
function mode in the past (S408) and the display of the notice sentence (S409) can be
made in correspondence to the case where while it is determined that the update is
performed once by the present management contents application 30a, it is determined
that the update right before the predetermined operation is not performed by the present
management contents application 30a. That is, the execution of the reproducing
operation based on the extended functions can be limited and the message sentence
which gives the user the previous notice representing that effect can be displayed in
correspondence to a state in which there is the possibility that the tracks are left added
by the contents management application in the past.
On the other hand, when an affirmation result is obtained in step S404 because
it is determined that the two pieces of update time information in both the areas Al and
A2 agree with each other, the operation proceeds to step S405 and the operation mode
proceeds to the normal operation mode. That is, the normal operation is caused to be
performed in which the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 can perform all the
reproducing functions.
It should be noted that while for the sake of convenience in description, the
processing of step S405 has been shown as the active processing called the processing
for making the operation mode proceeds to the normal operation mode, in order to cause
the normal operation to be actually performed, the special processing executed by the
controller 6 is unnecessary. Consequently, from this meaning, the processing of step
S405 is unnecessary. Thus, the processing operation shown in the figure has to be
directly completed in correspondence to that the affirmation result is obtained in step
S404.
Here, as understood by referring to FIG24 , the half-way disconnection
detecting processing during the data update (S401) and the processing for coping
therewith (S406 and S407) are used together with each other as the function of coping
the application in the past of this embodiment.
If the controller 6 determines based on the check (S404) about the two objects
of update time information whether or not the update right before the predetermined
operation is performed by the present management contents application 30a without
using the half-way disconnection detecting processing and the processing for coping
therewith together with each other, even when during the update by the present
management contents application 30a, for example, the connection is interrupted at
timing at which one objects of update time information of any one in the area Al or A2
is updated, limitation of the functions (S408) and the display of the notice sentence
(S409) are merely made as the update by the application in the past, and thus the
reproduction by the function in the past becomes possible. That is to say, though the
contents data is not perfectly updated, the contents data can be reproduced on the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side. Thus, the occurrence of the nonconformity
accompanying this is feared.
Then, if the half-way disconnection detecting processing and the processing for
coping therewith are used together with as in this embodiment, in such a case as well,
the user can be normally urged to perform the re-connecting. As a result, it is possible
to prevent the nonconformity from occurring due to that the reproduction becomes
possible in a state in which the update is uncompleted.
At that, in the above description, the case has been exemplified where when the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 determines that while the contents data was
downloaded once by the present management contents application 30a, the update right
before the predetermined operation is not performed by the present management
contents application 30a, any of the extended functions is disabled to be performed.
As previously stated too, according to this procedure, it is possible to prevent the user
from being confused due to that the contents data which is expected to have been added
does not become the object of the reproduction.
However, since the notice sentence is displayed, this confusion can also be
expected to be avoided. In addition, even if any of the tracks added by the apparatus in
the past is excluded from the object of the reproduction, it cannot be denied that if
anything, the user may desire to perform the extended functions.
Then, when it is determined that while the contents data was downloaded once
by the present management contents application 30a, the update right before the
predetermined operation is not performed by the present management contents
application 30a, the notice sentence is displayed, and the extended functions can be
permitted to be performed.
While this embodiment has been described, the present invention should not be
limited to this embodiment which has been described so far.
For example, the case where the audio data is used as the contents data has
been exemplified as this embodiment. However, the video data in which a still picture
or a moving picture constituting a movie, a television program, a video program, a
photograph, a picture, a chart or the like is made contents, or arbitrary data in which an
electronic computer originated book (E-Book), a game, software or the like is made
contents can be used as the contents data.
In addition, the case where the information processor is the personal computer
has been exemplified in this embodiment. However, the information processor in the
present invention can also be constituted by any other suitable computer apparatus such
as Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), a domestic game apparatus, an information
household electric appliance or the like.
In addition, in this embodiment, the configuration of the recording/reproducing
apparatus 2 having the semiconductor memory built therein as the recording medium
has been exemplified. However; the present invention can be widely applied to a case
where the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 is configured so as to be capable of
recording/reproducing the contents data in correspondence to a necessary recording
medium such as a CD, a DVD, a hard disc, or a memory card.
However, when the corresponding recording medium is a disc-like recording
medium, it is possible to provide a buffer memory for buffering data read out from and
written to the recording medium.
In addition, in this embodiment in which the semiconductor memory is built in
the recording/reproducing apparatus 2, after the reproduction of the track is completed,
or the reproduction is stopped in accordance with the skip instruction, the next object of
music to be reproduced is selected by the lottery in correspondence to the generated
random number. However, the disc-like recording medium has a tendency to increase
waiting time for the user until reproduction of the next track all the more since it takes
time to read out the contents data from the recording medium.
Then, in order to cope with such a situation, the next track to be reproduced is
selected by the lottery in correspondence to the generated random number during the
reproduction of the track, and the track concerned is started to be reproduced in
correspondence to completion/stop of the reproduction.
In addition, in this embodiment, the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 is
configured in the form of the portable type audio player (/recorder). However, the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 of the present invention has to have the function of
recording/reproducing the contents data in/from the necessary recording medium, and
thus may also be configured in the form of any other suitable electric apparatus such as
a mobile phone, or a PDA.
In addition, in this embodiment, the main body of the recording/reproducing
apparatus 2 is provided with the display device. However, the display device of the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2, for example, is provided in the remote controller
portion which is connected in a wired manner in some cases. In such cases, the main
body side of the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 has to perform the same display
control for such an outside display device.
In addition, in this embodiment, the case has been exemplified where the order
list for reproduction times, the artist link list, and the released year list are generated as
the various kinds of lists generated by the present management contents application 30a
in correspondence to realization of the extended functions comprising of the
reproducing function of the order list for reproduction times (the My Favorite Shuffle
and My Favorite reproducing functions), the Artist Link Shuffle reproducing function,
and the Released year reproducing function (the Time Machine Shuffle and Released
year reproducing functions) with which the recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side is
provided. However, the kinds of extended functions with which the
recording/reproducing apparatus 2 side is provided, the lists which are generated in
correspondence to the kinds of extended functions are not limited thereto.
Obviously, readily discernible modifications and variations of the present
invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood
that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise
than as specifically described herein. For example, while described in terms of both
software and hardware components interactively cooperating, it is contemplated that the
system described herein may be practiced entirely in software. The software may be
embodied in a carrier such as magnetic or optical disk, or a radio frequency or audio
frequency carrier wave.
The present invention contains subject matter related to Japanese Patent
Application JP 2005-259765, filed in the Patent Office of Japan on September 7, 2005,
the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

CLAIMS
1. A recording/reproducing apparatus, comprising:
a reproducing section configured to reproduce data from a recording medium
in which at least content data and its additive data are recorded; and
a control section configured to display a plurality of pieces of selection
candidate object information in correspondence to content data, sequentially for a
predetermined time on a display portion when a shuffle reproduction mode is selected.
2. The recording/reproducing apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein
the plurality of selection candidate object information is additive data of content data
which is recorded in said recording medium.
3. The recording/reproducing apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein
the control section determines content data to be reproduced and performs an object of
selection candidate object information in correspondence to the determined content data
to be displayed after sequentially displaying of the plurality of selection candidate
object information.
4. The recording/reproducing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
the candidate object information is name information of an artist.
5. The recording/reproducing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein
the control section perform information related to the determined name information of
an artist to be displayed after displaying the determined name information.
6. The recording/reproducing apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein
the selection candidate object information is title information in correspondence to
content data in the receding medium.
7. The recording/reproducing apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein
the selection candidate object information is released year information.
8. The recording/reproducing apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein
said control section performs the plurality of objects of selection candidate object
information to be displayed sequentially for a predetermined time on a display portion
when a shuffle reproduction mode is selected while content data is being reproduced.
9. The recording/reproducing apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein
said control section selects other content data to be reproduced subsequently to a
reproduction of a content data.
10. The recording/reproducing apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein
said control section selects other content data to be reproduced subsequent to an
instruction to skip a reproduction of content data.
11. The recording/reproducing apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein
said control section performs selection candidate object information to be displayed in
the same display area on said display portion so as to be sequentially replaced with one
another on a one piece by on piece basis.
12. The recording/reproducing apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein
said control section performs the object of selection candidate object information to be
displayed on said display portion so as to be scrolled.
13. The recording/reproducing apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein
said apparatus has a plural of shuffle reproduction modes, and said control section
determines a selected shuffle reproduction mode and performs objects of the selection
candidate object information in correspondence to the content data of the selected
shuffle reproduction mode.
14. A display control method of a recording/reproducing apparatus:
selecting a shuffle reproduction mode;
displaying sequentially a plurality of selection candidate object information in
correspondence to content data recorded in the reproducing apparatus for a
predetermined period of time.
15. A recording/reproducing apparatus, comprising:
a means for reproducing data from a recording medium in which at least
content data and its additive data are recorded; and
a means for controlling a plurality of object selection candidate object
information in correspondence to the content data to be displayed sequentially for a
predetermined time when a shuffle reproduction mode is selected.