Title of Invention

"AN APARTUS FOR RCORDING AND/OR REPRODUCING AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO DATA ON A RECORDABLE AND/OR REWRITABLE RECORDING MEDIUM"

Abstract An apparatus for recording and/or reproducing audio and/or video data on a recordable and/or rewriteable recording medium comprising: a recording processor (120) for signal-processing a plurality of still pictures to be recorded on a first region on the recording medium; and a controller (160) for controlling first virtual deletion information for still pictures set to a virtual delete state by a user, the first virtual deletion information contained within still picture group information for separating the still pictures in the first region into within a predetermined maximum number of groups in order to manage the still pictures at a group level, for generating playback information related to a reproduction order, and for controlling the generated playback information to be recorded on a second region.
Full Text BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for recording and/or reproducing audio and/or video data on a recordable and/or rewriteable recording medium and a method of recording and/or reproducing audio and/or video data, for effectively processing a still picture, and also, to a recording medium for storing virtual deletion information for preventing file extent information from excessively increasing when some of a data file is deleted by a user's request
This invention has been divided out of Indian patent application NO.576CAL99. 2. Description of the Related Art
FIG.1 shows a connection structure for various kinds of information in a moving picture data, in recording/ reproducing audio and/or video data on a recordable and/or rewriteable recording medium, specifically, a digital versatile disk (DVD), and more precisely, it illustrates the relationship between program chain (PGC) information 11 for treating data logically, moving picture information 12 consisting of video object (VOB) information, and a moving picture data file 13 in which actually compressed audio/video (A/V) data are recorded in VOB units.
First, terms used throughout the specification will now be described. Supposing a movie was recorded in first and
-2-

second parts, the overall movie is a program chain (PGC) and the first and second parts are programs. Also, each program can be defined by further dividing the same into several cells called sub-units. The information in each cell can wholly or partially define a video object (VOB). In such an event, each cell is used as a basic accessing unit during reproduction, and the program and PGC are only the information for connectivity between a plurality of cells.
Also, since data is actually sub-divided into video object units (VOBUs) and recorded in a moving picture data file, the VOB information consists of various kinds
-3-

of information relating to the VOBU data that is, VOBU #1, VOBU #2 and the
VOB data in the moving picture data file is accessed by the VOB information. Here, the VOB data is used as a random access unit of a disk recording/reproducing apparatus. The VOBU is based on a single GOP (Group of Pictures) in the case of an MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) video, and audio data corresponding to video data is collected, that is, A/V data is multiplexed into sectors, to constitute a VOBU.
The data format shown in FIG. 1 is concerned with the moving picture, in which the unit of actual data, the VOB, comprises moving picture data for a fixed period of time. Synchronization or encoding of A/V signals is performed in units of VOBs. However, in the case of a still picture, each VOB constitutes a still picture. When a VOB is designated in a cell structure, a cell is necessary for each still picture. Thus, as more the still pictures are recorded, more information is added,
Generally, data errors may be generated if data is recorded on a recordable disk a predetermined number of times. Thus, there is a limit in the number of rewriting data on a disk. All information is stored in the memory of a controller for controlling the system for the purpose of limiting the number of times recording times and rapidly accessing data, However, as described above, in the case of a still picture, if the amount of information is increased, much time is required for reading the information. Also, there is a limit to the amount of information that can be stored in a memory with a limited size. Accordingly, it is not possible to record a large-capacity still picture.
In a two-dimensional recording medium such as a disk, a file may be distributed in physically fragmented spaces to then be recorded, and information which connects the scattered areas is recorded in a file system as file extent information. File extent information is information for logically connecting a file having the scattered areas and generally represents the scattered areas sequentially as start positions and lengths of data. Referring to FIG. 2, for example, a file is distributed and recorded in two parts, each represented by a start positions and length of data in the file extent information. If a portion indicated by "A" shown in FIG. 2 is deleted so that the file is distributed in three parts, the amount of file extent information is increased, as shown in FIG. 3.

In other words, as shown in FIG.3, the amount of file extent information is determined according to the level of fragmentation of a file, irrespective of the size of the file. Therefore, when a plurality of still pictures are recorded in a file, if some still pictures are deleted by a user's request, thus causing fragmentation of the file, the amount of the file extent information is sharply increased.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To solve the above problems, it is a first object of the present invention to provide a recording medium for grouping a plurality of large-capacity still pictures for the purpose of managing the same at a still picture group level, and for storing still picture group information containing information for virtually deleting a desired still picture.
It is a second object of the present invention to provide a recording medium for grouping a plurality of additional audio data other than original audio data added to still picture data, for the purpose of managing the same at an additional audio group level, and for storing additional audio group information containing information for virtually deleting additional audio data.
It is a third object of the present invention to provide a recording and/or reproducing method and apparatus for grouping a plurality of large-capacity still pictures and incorporating virtual deletion information into the information managed at a still picture group level for the
-5-

purpose of virtually deleting a desired still picture and original audio data corresponding thereto.
It is a fourth object of the present invention to provide a recording and/or reproducing method and apparatus for grouping a plurality of additional audio data relating to still pictures and incorporating virtual deletion information into the information managed at an additional audio group level for the purpose of virtually deleting the additional audio data corresponding to the virtually deleted still picture.
To achieve the first object, Indian patent application NO.576CAL96 provides a recording medium comprising:
a first region having a plurality of still pictures; and
a second region having at least one still picture group information for arranging the still pictures in the first region into a number of groups so as to manage the still pictures at a group level, wherein said still picture group information includes at least one still picture information for one of the still pictures, with first virtual deletion information being included within the one still picture information,
wheredn if the first virtual deletion information is set to a virtual delete state, the one still picture is not to be reproduced.
To achieve the second objective, a method is provided for recording and/or reproducing audio and/or video data on a
-6-

recordable and/or rewriteable recording medium, said method comprising:
recording a plurality of still pictures on the recording medium; and
separating the plurality of still pictures into a predetermined maximum number of groups, and recording still picture group information having first virtual deletion information for the respective still pictures indicative of a virtual delete status set by a user and playback information related to reproduction.
Also, this method further includes the steps of reading the still picture group data to be reproduced in accordance with the playback information, and calculating the position of a desired still picture in accordance with the read still picture group data and reproducing still picture data located at the calculated position, while not reproducing still picture data having the first virtual deletion information contained in the read still picture group data set to a virtual delete state.
The present invention provides an apparatus for recording and/or reproducing audio and/or video data on a recordable and/or rewriteable recording medium comprising:
a recording processor for signal-processing a plurality of still pictures to be recorded on a first region on the recording medium; and
-7-

a controller for controlling first virtual deletion information for still pictures set to a virtual delete state by a user, the first virtual deletion information contained within still picture group information for separating the still pictures in the first region into within a predetermined maximum number of groups in order to manage the still pictures at a group level, for generating playback information related to a reproduction order, and for controlling the generated playback information to be recorded on a second region.
The apparatus may further include a playback processor for reproducing still picture data in the first region based on the still picture group information in the second region, while not reproducing still picture having the first virtual deletion information set to a virtual delete state.
Accordingly, the present invention provides an apparatus for recording and/or reproducing audio and/or video data on a recordable and/or rewriteable recording medium comprising : a recording processor to signal-process a plurality of still pictures to be recorded in a first region of the recording medium ; and a controller to control first virtual deletion information, of at least a flag, for the still pictures settable to a virtual delete state for control of reproduction of the still pictures upon playback of the recording medium, the first virtual deletion information contained within still picture group information for separating the still pictures in the first region into within a predetermined maximum number of still picture groups so as to manage the still pictures at a group level, to generate playback information related to a reproduction order, and to control the generated playback information to be recorded in a second region of the recording medium ; wherein the still picture group information comprises start positions of each of the still picture groups and sizes of each of the still pictures in the corresponding still picture groups.
-8-

The present invention also provides an apparatus for recording still pictures on a recording medium comprising : a recording processor to signal-process a at least one still picture on the recording medium ; and a controller to control first virtual deletion information, of at least one flag, for the one still picture settable to a virtual delete state for controlling reproduction of the one still picture upon playback of the recording medium, the first virtual deletion information contained within still picture group information for arranging still pictures into a number of still picture groups to generate playback information related to a reproduction order, and to control the generated playback information to be recorded on the recording medium ; wherein the still picture group information comprises start positions of each of the still picture groups and sizes of each of the still pictures in the corresponding still picture groups.
The present invention also provides an apparatus for reproducing still pictures from a recording medium having a plurality of the still pictures arranged into a number of still picture groups and still picture group information having first virtual deletion information, of at least a flag, for the respective still pictures settable to a virtual delete status for control of reproduction of respective still pictures upon playback of the recording medium, the apparatus comprising : a playback processor to reproduce a desired one of the still pictures based on the still picture group information, and not reproduce the desired still picture if the desired still picture has the first virtual deletion information set to the virtual delete state ; and a reproducing processor to signal-process the desired still picture ; wherein the still picture group information comprises start positions of each of the still picture groups and sizes of each of the still pictures in the corresponding still picture groups.
-8A-

The present invention further provides an apparatus for reproducing still pictures from a recording medium having a plurality of the still pictures arranged into a number of groups and still picture group information having first virtual deletion information, of at least a flag, for the respective still pictures indicative of a virtual delete status for control of reproduction of the respective still pictures upon playback of the recording medium, the apparatus comprising : an optical pickup to read the still picture group information in accordance with the playback information ; and a reproducer to calculate a first position of a desired one of the still pictures in accordance with the read still picture group information and reproduce the still picture located at the calculated first position, and does not reproduce the still picture at the calculated first position if the still picture at the calculated first position has the first virtual deletion information contained in the read still picture group information set to a virtual delete state ; wherein the still picture group information comprises start positions of each of the still picture groups and sizes of each of the still pictures in the corresponding still picture groups.
The present invention further provides an apparatus for reproducing still pictures from a recording medium having a plurality of the still pictures arranged into a number of still picture groups and still picture group information having first virtual deletion information, of at least a flag, for the respective still pictures indicative of a virtual delete status for control of reproduction of the respective still pictures upon playback of the recording medium, the apparatus comprising : an optical pickup to read the still picture group information including the first virtual deletion information according to the playback information ; and a reproducer to determine whether the first virtual deletion information for one of the still pictures to be reproduced is set to a virtual delete status, and to calculate a position of the still picture to be reproduced in accordance with the read still picture information ; wherein the
-8B-

optical pickup reads and the reproducer decodes the still picture to be reproduced if the first virtual deletion information is not set to the virtual delete status and the optical pickup does not read and the reproducer does not decode the still picture to be reproduced if the first virtual deletion information is set to the virtual delete status, and the still picture group information comprises start positions of each of the still picture groups and sizes of each of the still pictures in the corresponding still picture groups.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
-8C-

The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a connection structure for various kinds of information and data in a moving picture;
FIG. 2 shows an example of file recording positions and file extent information:
FIG. 3 illustrates the relationship between the distribution of a file and the file extent information:
FIG. 4 shows an example of an overall information structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 5 shows the relationship between various kinds of information and still picture data in a still picture according to the present invention:
FIG- 6 is a block diagram of a recording/reproducing apparatus according to the present invention;
FIG. 7 shows the relationship between still picture data and still picture group information according to the present invention;
¦ FIG. 8 shows the relationship between additional audio data added to still picture data and additional audio group information according to the present information;
FIG. 9 shows the relationship between cell information and still picture group information;
FIG. 10 shows the relationship among cell information, still picture group information and additional audio group information;
FIG. 11 illustrates a virtually deleted still picture file and still picture group information in accordance with a still picture deletion command;
FIG. 12 illustrates a virtually deleted additional audio data file and additional audio group information in accordance with a still picture deletion command;
FIG. 13 illustrates actual deletion of a still picture file and still picture group information in accordance with a deletion command for all still pictures in a still picture group;
-9-

FIG. 14 illustrates actual deletion of an additional audio data file and additional audio group information in accordance with a deletion command for all still pictures in an additional audio group;
FIG. 15 illustrates the structure of still picture group information according to the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a table showing an example of the detailed contents of the still picture group general information shown in FIG. 15:
FIG. 17 illustrates the structure of a map table for a still picture shown in FIG. 15;
FtG. 18 is a table showing an example of the detailed contents of a video map in the map table shown in FIG. 17;
FIG. 19 is a table showing an example of the detailed contents of an original audio map connected to the video map shown in FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 illustrates the structure of additional audio group information for a still picture according to the present invention;
FIG. 21 is a table showing an example of the detailed contents of additional audio group general information for the still picture shown in FIG. 20;
FIG. 22 illustrates the structure of an additional audio map table for the still picture shown in FIG. 20;
FIG. 23 is a table showing an example of the detailed contents of the additional audio map table for the still picture shown in FIG. 22; .
FIG. 24 is a table showing an example of the detailed contents of ceil information for the still picture shown in FIGS. 9 and 10;
FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate a flow chart showing a method for recording a still picture according to an embodiment of a present invention;
FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing a method for recording additional audio data after recording a still picture according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing a method for reproducing a still picture according to an embodiment of the present invention:
FIGS. 28A and 28B are flowcharts showing a method for reproducing a still picture according to another embodiment of the present invention;
-10-

FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing a method for reproducing a still picture according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and
FIGS 30A ana 30B illustrate a flow chart showing a method for deleting data using virtual deletion information according to the present invention
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of recording media for storing virtual deletion information for a still picture, and a recording and/or reproducing method and apparatus therefor, will be described
FIG 4 shows an example of an overall information structure according to the present invention in which information consisting of PGC information, moving picture information and still picture information can be recorded in an information file or an information area
Here. PGC general information contains information such as the number of programs in a PGC Program general information contains information such as the number of cells in a program The cell information designates a VOB in the case of a moving picture as shown in FIG 1, and designates a still picture VOB group (to be abbreviated as "still picture group" for brevity) instead of a VOB. in the case of a still picture, as shown in FIG 5 Since the moving picture information has already been described with reference to FIG 1 a description thereof will be omitted herein and still picture information according to the present invention will now be described Still picture general information contains information relating to the number of kinds of still picture group information, and additional audio general information for the still picture contains information relating to the number of kinds of additional audio group information
FIG 5 shows the connection structure of various kinds of information and still picture data in a still picture In other words in a still picture recorded in units of VOBs in a data file, a plurality of VOBs for still pictures are managed by a still picture group, and cell information contained in the PGC information 21 designates still picture group information (GVOB). rather than a single VOB information Also, audio data may be recorded in addition to the still picture .The audio data is recorded consecutively after the still picture is recorded thereby reducing the
-11-

search time of a reproducing head during reproduction. The audio data recorded together with the still picture is called original audio data, which is contained in the still picture group. In the present invention, unless specifically defined, a still picture represents both one having only a video part and one having the original audio part and the video part. By managing the still picture by grouping the same in such a manner, the amount of cell information and still picture information can be reduced. For example, video coding attributes or original audio coding attributes in a still picture group are assimilated thus forming still picture group general information, and stored as common information. For the respective still pictures, the positions thereof in the still picture data file must be indicated. In the case when the still pictures are not separated into a plurality of groups, the start positions of the respective still pictures must be indicated. However in the case when the still pictures are grouped, the start position at which the pertinent still picture group starts to be recorded in a file is stored in the still picture group genera! information and then only the sizes of the respective still pictures are recorded as the information for the respective still pictures. Since the amount of information indicative of the size of still picture data, i.e., the number of bytes, is generally less than that indicative of the position in a file, the overall amount of information can be reduced.
A user may add separate additional audio data to a desired still picture after recording the stili picture and original audio data on a still picture file 23, At this time, only the additional audio data are collected and recorded in a separate area in the additional audio data file 24 or the stili picture file 23, with the original audio data being retained. The additional audio data are also managed by grouping in the same manner as in the stili picture data and the concept thereof is the same as that of the stil! picture data. In other words, a plurality of additional audio data having the same attributes, e.g., audio coding attributes, are grouped into an additional audio group (to be abbreviated as "GAO8") and then additional audio group general information is recorded as common information. For the respective additional audio data AOBs, only the size information is recorded. The additional audio group general information contains the start positions of audio data in the respective additional audio groups (GAOBs). The connection information for the
—1 2—

additional audio data added to the specific still picture, which is indicated by thick arrows in FIG. 5, is present in the still picture group information GVOB #1, GVOB #2,... In other words, additional audio group identification information for designating additional audio data existing in the still picture group information and additional audio identification information in the pertinent additional audio group are contained in the still picture group information.
In order to locate a recording position of a specific still picture in the still picture group, the start position of the still picture group data contained in the still picture group genera! information is added to the size of the data preceding the still picture to be located Likewise, in order to search the recording position of specific additional audio data, the start position of the additional audio group data contained in the additional audio group general information is added to the size of the data preceding the additional audio data to be located.
In the case of ar still picture group, video parts and audio parts are consecutively recorded in a file or space. Thus, the video information and the audio information each containing the size thereof are also recorded in the bitstream order in which the video data and the original audio data are actually recorded. In the case of an additional audio group, there is only the additional audio data. Thus, only the additional audio information is recorded in the bitstream order in which the additional audio data is actually recorded.
Thus, as shown in FIG. 5, there is the still picture file 23 to which the original audio data may be added, the additional audio data file 24 added to the still picture and the information tile containing the PGC information 21 and the still picture information 22 having the still picture group information (GVOB) and the additional audio group information (GAOB). However, the additional audio data may be recorded in a separate area of the still picture file 23. rather than in the additional audio data file 24. The still picture file 23 can be designated by a first region, the additional audio data file 24 can be designated by a second region, and the information file containing the PGC information 21 and the still picture information 22 can be designated by a third region which is a logic region.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a recording/reproducing apparatus for implementing the present invention. The function of an apparatus for
-13-

recording/reproducing A/V (audio/video) data using a recordable and rewriteable disk is largely divided into recording and reproduction
During recording, an AV codec 110 compression-codes an externally applied A/V signal by a predetermined compression scheme and supplies size information for compressed data. A digital signal processor (DSP) 120 receives A/V data supplied from the AV codec 1 TO, adds additional data for ECC (error correction code) processing thereto and performs modulation using a predetermined modulation scheme A radio frequency amplifier (RF AMP) 130 converts electrical data supplied from the DSP 120 into an RF signal A pickup 140 drives a disk and records the RF signal supplied from the RF AMP 130, incorporating an actuator for focusing and tracking A servo 150 receives information necessary for servo control from a system controller 160 and stably performs a servo function. The system controller 160 controls the overall system through interfacing with a user to thus control the still picture to be recorded on the disk and record separate information for the recorded still picture Still picture data are managed at a group level by constructing the still picture group information of the information for the respective still pictures, including size information of still picture data, size information of original audio data, playback time information of original audio data and the like, and the position information of the respective still pictures, in the recording order of recorded still pictures and audio data When additional audio data is added to a still picture, the added additional audio data is recorded in a different file from or in the same file as that for the still picture but in a different area from that of the still picture. Additional audio data are managed at a group level by constructing additional audio group information of the information for recorded additional audio data, including size information of additional audio data, playback time information of additional audio data and the like, and position information of the respective additional audio groups The information for the respective still pictures includes information indicative of the added additional audio data
In the case when a user intends to delete an arbitrary still picture via a user interface, the system controller 160 does not to actually delete the still picture but sets deletion information in the still picture group information to a virtual delete state so that it is virtually deleted. In other words, since data is not reproduced during
-14-

playback although it actually exists, it appears to the user that the data is deleted In such a manner, if a specific still picture is virtually deleted and original audio data is recorded in sequenced with the still picture, the original audio data is not reproduced either Also, if additional audio data is added to the still picture, virtually deleted additional audio information in the additional audio group information is set to a virtual delete state so that although the additional audio data exists actually, it appears to the user that the additional audio data is deleted.
Cell information concerning the reproduction order is recorded as well as the above-described information The cell information contains information indicative of the recorded still picture group so that the recorded still picture and audio data can be reproduced.
During playback, the pickup 140 picks up the optical signal from the disk having data stored therein and the data is extracted from the optical signal The RF AMP 130 converts the optical signal into an RF signal, and extracts a servo signal for performing a servo function, and modulated data. The DSP 120 demodulates modulated data supplied from the RF AMP 130 corresponding to the modulation scheme used during modulation, performs an ECC process to correct errors and eliminates added data The servo unit 150 receives information necessary for servo control from the RF AMP 130 and the system controller 160 and stably performs a servo function The AV codec 110 decodes the compressed A/V data supplied from the DSP 120 to output an A/V signal The system controller 160 controls the overall system for reproducing the user's desired data (still picture only, still picture + original audio data or still picture + additional audio data) using the cell information and still picture group information stored on the disk while performing user interfacing such as processing of the user's key inputs
In other words, in order to reproduce a specific still picture and audio data. the still picture group information having tre still picture to be reproduced is obtained from the cell information, information such as the size of the still picture data and the information for the data size and playback time of original audio data, if any is obtained from the still picture group information, thereby reproducing only desired data Also, if additional audio data is added to the still picture, desired additional audio data is reproduced using information for the data size or playback
-15-

time of the additional audio data from the additional audio group information pointed to by the still picture group information
Also, if virtually deleted still picture information is read from the still picture group information, the corresponding still picture and original audio data are not reproduced so that although the data actually exists, it seems to the user that it does not exist Likewise, if the added additional audio data is virtually deleted, it is not reproduced
Here, the A/V codec 110. the DSP 120 the RF AMP 130 and the pickup 140 operating during recording can be referred to as a recording processor Also, the pickup 140. the RF AMP 130 the DSP 120 and the A/V codec 110 operating during playback can be referred to a reproduction processor.
FIG 7 shows the relationship between still picture data and still picture group information, in which the information for a plurality of still pictures (e g . 64 maximally) having the same attributes is recorded in the respective still picture group (GVOB) information 201 The number of the still pictures forming each still picture group is determined such that it is within the limit of the maximum number of still pictures Each still picture group information 202 includes still picture group general information and information for the respective still pictures and is information for still picture data 203 composed of video parts and video or audio parts in a sequence of bitstreams recorded The still picture group generation information has the start address of the corresponding still picture group
Also, as information for the respective still pictures, still picture information having original audio data exists in the form of map information composed of video part information for video parts and audio part information for audio parts Here, a video map and an audio map for a still picture have the same identification information If the still picture information is composed of only video parts, it exists in the form of a map having only the video part information In the still picture group information 202. virtual deletion information for virtually deleting both a still picture and original audio data added thereto is present Here, still picture data is recorded in a VOB
FIG 8 shows the relationship between additional audio data added to a still picture and additional audio group information according to the present information,
-16-

in which additional audio group (GAOB) information 211 includes information for additional audio data recorded in units of a plurality of still picture groups Additional audio group information 212 has additional audio group general information containing the start address of the corresponding additional audio group and audio maps (AMAPs) following the sequence of additional audio data. The information for additional audio data 213 composed of additional audio parts of a still picture is recorded in each additional audio map, inclusive of size information of additional audio data Also, the additional audio group information 212 includes virtual deletion information for virtually deleting the respective second audio parts
FIG 9 shows the relationship between cell information (which can also be referred to as playback information ) and still picture group information, in which a cell is a logical unit in relation to indication of a reproduction order The cell information includes still picture group identification information (GVOB_ID), still picture reproduction start identification information (START VOBJD) of the corresponding still picture group and still picture reproduction ending identification information (END VOBJD) The cell information may correspond to all the still picture groups or may correspond to some of still picture groups which are intended to be reproduced
The additional audio data is stored in a separate area from the still picture data, that is in a different file or in a different area of the same file from or as that of the still picture data
For example, in the case wnen the additional audio data is stored in a separate file from the still picture data, as shown in FIG 7, GVOB #1, #2 and #3 having still picture data constitute a file Also, as shown in FIG. 8, GAOB #1, #2 and #3 having additional audio data constitute a file Thus, in the case of recording/reproducing actual still picture or additional audio data, the still picture or additional audio data is accessed using the information of each file
Alternatively, in the case when the additional audio data and the still picture data are stored in one and the same file. GVOB #1: #2 and #3 and GAOB #1. #2 and #3 shown in FIGS 7 and 8 constitute a file. In constituting the file in such a manner, the respective GVOBs and GAOBs may be mixed in the recording order, for example, in the order of GVOB #1, GVOB #2, GAOB #1, GVOB #3, GAOB #2 and
-17-

GAOB #3 Otherwise, the GVOBs and GAOBs are coupled and arranged in each batch to constitute a file.
FIG 10 shows the relationship among cell information, still picture group information and additional audio group information, for designating desired additional audio data in the additional audio group recorded in a separate area as well as original audio data as the audio data added to a still picture The cell information includes still oicture group identification information (GVOB_ID). still picture reproduction start identification information (START VOBJD) in the corresponding still picture group and still picture reproduction ending identification information (END VOBJD) Video part information in the information for still picture group GVOB #1 may have information for designating additional audio data added to a still picture, that is. additional audio group identification information and additional audio identification information in the corresponding additional audio group For example, additional audio group identification information GAOB #j and identification information #2 indicating that the additional audio data is the second audio map in the GAOB #j exist in the video part information for a still picture #2 of the still picture group GVOB #.
In the present invention, when a plurality of still pictures are recorded in a file and still pictures are deleted and fragmented in several parts by a user's request, to avoid an abrupt increase in file extent information, a plurality of still pictures are grouped and managed at a still picture group level, and each still picture has virtual deletion information Thus, even if a user deietes a still picture, the still picture is not actually deleted from the file but appears to be deleted since they are not reproduced according to the virtual deletion information In some cases, the user deletes still pictures for the purpose of securing empty space {free area) for recording new data thereon in addition to avoidance of reproduction of data In this case, since the data is not actually deleted, the empty space cannot be secured just by using the virtual deletion information If all of the still pictures in the still picture group information are virtually deleted, they are actually deleted from the file in units of still picture groups, thereby securing a free area In other words, since a still picture group is formed by a plurality of still pictures, a considerable amount of free space is produced by deleting the same
-18-

As shown in FIG 11 if a still picture deletion command is input by a user through an input device 301 such as a key pad mounted on a still picture output device 302 or a remote controller, virtual deletion information out of the information for the corresponding still picture in the still picture group information is set to "1" indicative of a virtual delete state, without change in an actual still picture file 304. Since there is no change in the actual still picture file 304. the file area information for the still picture file is not increased The virtual deletion information is commonly applied to the original audio data added to the still picture In other words, if a still picture is virtually deleted, the original audio data is also considered to have been deleted. Here if the virtual deletion information set to "1" is cleared to "0". the still picture can be restored
However, if additional audio data is added to a still picture, instead of the virtual deletion information (which can be referred to as first virtual deletion information) for a still picture, as shown in FIG 12, the virtual deletion information in additional audio group information (which can be referred to as second virtual deletion information) can be used If a still picture deletion command is input by a user through an input device 311, virtual deletion information for the corresponding still picture in the still picture group information is set to "1" indicative of a virtual delete state and virtual deletion information for additional audio data in the additional audio group information 314 for the still picture is also set to "1" Thus, the corresponding additional audio data in an additional audio file 315. is not actually deleted either. Here if the virtual deletion information set to "1" is cleared to "0". the additional audio data can be restored.
Actual deletion of a file occurring in a still picture group or additional audio group ¦ will be described with reference to FIGS 13 and 14. In other words, when all the information in a group is virtually deleted, the group can be actually deleted from a file.
As shown in FIG 13, if a still picture deletion command, for virtually deleting all still pictures in the information for a still picture group #2, is input by a user through an input device 321 and virtual deletion information in the information for a still picture group #2 in the still picture group information 323 is set to "1" indicative of a virtual delete state, the information for a still picture group #2 in the still picture
-19-

group information 323 is deleted so that updated still picture group information 324 is created and data for GVOB #2 in a still picture file 325 is actually deleted to be allocated as a free area. Therefore, even if a plurality of still pictures are deleted, a discontinuous-section in a still picture file is determined by deletion of the entire group, so that the file area information is increased by a small amount. In FIG. 13, identification numbers for still picture groups are sequentially given again, However, if the identification numbers are expressly stored in the still picture group information, they can be retained as they are.
Similarly, data of an additional audio group file can be actually deleted. As shown in FIG. 14, virtual deletion information for the corresponding still pictures in still picture group information 331 is set to "1" indicative of a virtual delete state by a still picture deletion command, and the virtual deletion information of the entire additional audio information of the information for a still picture group #3 in additional audio group information 332 corresponding to the still pictures set to a virtual delete state, is set to a virtual delete state "1".
The information for the additional audio group #3 in the additional audio group information 332 is deleted and updated additional audio group information 333 is created. Data for GAOB #3 in an actual audio fife 334 is deleted to be allocated as a free area. In this case, the file extent information is increased by a very small amount. In FIG. 14, identification numbers for additional audio groups are sequentially given again. However, if the identification numbers are expressly stored in the additional audio group information, they can be retained as they are.
FIG. 15 illustrates the structure of stiti picture group information according to the present invention, which includes still picture group general information and a still picture map table, and may further include attribute information for a still picture such as picture sizes or video encoding modes.
FIG. 18 is a table showing an example of the detailed contents of still picture group genera! information shown in FIG. 15, which includes GVOB_ID representing information for identifying a still picture group in a still picture file, GVOB_S_ADR representing the start address of first stiil picture data in the corresponding still picture group in the still picture file, GVOB_Ns representing the number of stiii pictures in the still picture groups GVOB_Ds representing the number of virtually
-20-

deleted still pictures in the corresponding VOB group, and so on. If GVOB_Ds and GVOB_Ns are equal to each other, the VOB group can be deleted from a file, if GVOB_Ds is not stored expressly, it is checked whether all still pictures in the corresponding still picture group are in a virtually deleted state to then be actualiy deietabie. Also, the identification information GVOBJD can be expressly recorded as a unique one for each still picture group in a still picture file or can be suggestively indicated in the order of still picture groups, that is, #1, #2,...
F!G- 17 illustrates the structure of the still picture map table shown in FIG. 15. There are two types of maps; one is video maps VMAPs for video parts and the other is audio maps AMAPs for original audio parts added to a still picture. The order of maps is the same as that of data of recorded bitstreams in a still picture file as shown in FIG. 7. Thus, in the case when a still picture has only video parts, there are only video maps. In the case when a still picture has original audio data in addition to the video parts, both video maps and audio maps are- recorded and are practically considered as one map using the same identification information.
FIG. 18 is a table showing an example of the detailed contents of a video map in the map table shown in FIG. 17, containing MAP_TY indicating the type of a corresponding map and represented by a binary "0" in the case of a video map for video parts, VOBJD indicating identification information for the video parts and ranging from 1 to 64 in preferred embodiments. Also, VOBJD can be expressly indicated or suggestively indicated in the recording order, that is, #1, #2, #3,...
Also, the video map contains V_DELETE which is a binary value indicating deletion or non-deletion of a VOB, that is, indicating that a VOB is not deleted if the value thereof is "0" and that the VOB is virtually deleted if the value thereof is "1", V_PART_SZ indicating the size of a video part, GAOBJD which is identification information of an additional audio group, the value of which exists if a stili picture has additional audio data, and the value of which is "0" if a still picture does not have additional audio data, and AOB JD which is identification information of additional audio data in an additional audio group if a still picture has additional audio data, and the value of which is "0" if a still picture does not have additional audio data.
-21-

Here. V_DELETE represented by a binary value "1" indicates that a still picture is virtually deleted Thus, if the stilt picture has original audio data, the original audio data is also considered to have been virtually deleted. This is because original audio data solely existing after the still picture is deleted is meaningless. Also, VOBJD and V_PART_SZ can be referred to as still picture position information, and GAOB_ID and AOB_ID can be referred to as additional audio connectivity information
FIG 19 is a table showing an example of the detailed contents of an original audio map. containing MAP_TY indicating the type of a corresponding map and represented by a binary value "1" in the case of an audio map for audio parts, A_PBTM indicating the playback time of an audio part and A_PART_SZ indicating the size of an audio part
FIG 20 illustrates the structure of additional audio group information for a still picture according to the present invention, containing additional audio general information and an additional audio map table for the still picture. Also, additional audio attribute information for the still picture may be further included.
FIG. 21 is a table showing an example of the detailed contents of additional audio general information for a still picture, shown in FIG. 20, containing GAOB_lD indicating identification information for an additional audio group in an additional audio file, GAOB_S_ADR indicating the start address of the first additional audio data in the corresponding additional audio group in the additional audio file, and GAOB_Ns indicating the number of additional audio parts contained in the additional audio grouos GAOBJD can be expressly indicated or suggestively indicated in the recording order
FIG. 22 illustrates the structure of an additional audio map table consisting of n additional audio maps for additional audio parts shown in FIG. 20
FIG. 23 is a table showing an example of the detailed contents of the additional audio map table for the still picture shown in FIG. 22, containing AOBJD indicating identification information for a specific audio part in an additional audio group and ranging from 1 to 64 in preferred embodiments. A_DELETE indicating whether an additional audio part is virtually deleted or not, A_PBTM indicating the playback time of additional audio data and A_ PART_SZ indicating the size of additional audio data
-22-

such as the number of sectors Here, AOB JD can be expressly indicated or suggestively indicated in the recording order, that is, #1, #2, #3,...
FIG. 24 is a fable showing an example of the detailed contents of ceil information for a still picture, shown in FIGS 9 and 10, containing S__GVOB_ID indicating identification information for a still picture group, S_VOB_ID indicating identification information for a still picture in which reproduction starts, and E_VOB_ID indicating identification information for a still picture in which reproduction ends.
FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate a flow chart showing a method for recording a still picture according to an embodiment of the present invention, that is, a method for recording a still picture and original audio data. First, it is determined whether a still picture or both a still picture and original audio data is recorded (step S101). Still picture group information is generated, identification for a still picture group is allocated, the number of still pictures in the still picture group is set "to "0" and the start address of the still picture group in a still picture file is recorded (step S102). It is then determined whether a recording start signal of a still picture is input by a user or not (step S103), If the recording start signal is input, the still picture is recorded in the still picture file, identification information for the still picture is allocated to the still picture group information, the number of still pictures in the still picture group is increased by one and the size information of the still pictures is recorded in the video map (step S104).
It is determined whether or not a mode set by a user is for recording both a still picture and original audio data (step S105). If yes. the audio data for the still picture is recorded following after the corresponding still picture on the still picture file and the audio size information is recorded in an audio map in the still picture group information {step S106).
It is determined whether the number of still pictures recorded is enough to constitute the information for a still picture group (e.g.. 64 maximally) (step S107). If the still picture group information is completed, the procedure returns to step S102 to generate another still picture group information. Otherwise, the procedure proceeds to step $103 to determine whether a recording start signal of a still picture s input by a user or not.
-23-

If the mode set by a user is for recording only a still picture in step S105, step S106 is skipped and the procedure proceeds to step 107 to record the next still picture. If the recording start signal of a still picture is not input by a user in step S103, it is determined whether or not recording to terminate recording (step S108). If it is determined to terminate recording, cell information is recorded and the procedure ends (step S109). Here the cell information is created for every still picture group so as for all still pictures to be reproduced.
FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing a method for recording additional audio data after recording a still picture according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, additional audio group information is generated, identification information for an additional audio group is allocated, the number of additional audio parts in the additional audio group is set to "0" and the start address of the audio group is recorded in an additional audio file (step S201).
It is then determined whether the recording start signal of additional audio data is input by a user or not (step S202). If the recording start signal is input, a specific
still picture to which the user desires to add additional audio data is designated
t) (step S203). The additional audio data is recorded in an additional audio file,
identification information for additional audio data in the audio map of the additional audio group information is allocated, the number of additional audio parts in the additional audio group is increased by one, and the size information of the additional audio data in the audio map is recorded (step S204). Although it has been described herein that the additional audio data is recorded in a different file from that of the still picture, the additional audio data can be recorded in a separate area of the same file as that of the still picture.
Identification information for the still picture group of a predetermined still picture and identification information for the still picture are read and the information for the still picture, that is, identification information for an additional audio group for additional audio parts and identification information for additional audio data, are recorded in the video map for the predetermined still' picture (step S205).
It is then determined whether the number of additional audio parts in an additional audio group reaches N, that is, enough to constitute a group (step S206). If yes, the procedure goes to step S201 to generate another additional audio group
-24-

information. Otherwise, it is determined whether the recording start signal of additional audio data is input by a user (step S202). If a recording start signal of additional audio data is not input by a user in step 202, the procedure is terminated.
Here, the step of designating a specific still picture (step S203) may precede the step of determining whether or not a recording start signal of additional audio data is input by a user (step S202).
FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing a method for reproducing a still picture according to an embodiment of the present invention, that is, a method for reproducing a still picture and original audio data added thereto. Referring to FIG. 27, PGC information and cell information are read (step S301). Identification information for a still picture group to be reproduced, playback start identification information and playback ending identification information are read from the cell information to read the still picture group information pointed to by the cell (step S302).' Video map information for the video part corresponding to the playback start identification information in the read still picture group information is obtained to read the size of a video part, or both video map information and audio map information are obtained in the case of a still picture having original audio data to read the size of a video part and the size of an audio part (step S303).
The position of a desired still picture is calculated by the read video part information and video data located at the calculated position is read and decoded to reproduce the still picture (step S304). Here, the position of a desired still picture is obtained by summing the start position of a still picture group and the size of data preceding the desired still picture. While the still picture is reproduced, it is determined whether original audio data is added to the still picture (step S305). If yes: the original audio data is read and decoded to reproduce the original audio data (step S306). Here, the reading position of the original audio data is obtained by summing the calculated position of the still picture and the size of video parts of the still picture. It is checked whether all still pictures belonging to a cell are eproduced or not using the cell information and then it is determined whether or not here is a still picture to be reproduced next (step S307). If yes, the information for be video part of a still picture to be reproduced next is read (step S303).
-25-

Otherwise, the procedure is terminated. In the case when there are a plurality of series of cell information, this routine is repeated.
Here, the step of determining whether original audio data is added to a still picture (step S305) may be performed directly after the step of reading the still picture group information (step S302). This is because it is possible to determine that original audio data is added to a still picture in the case when an audio map for audio parts is added subsequently to a video map for video parts, in accordance with the still picture group information.
FIGS. 28A and 28B illustrate a flowchart showing a method for reproducing a still picture according to another embodiment of the present invention, that is, a method for reproducing a still picture, a still picture having original audio data, or a still picture having additional audio data. Referring to FIG. 28A, cell information is read from PGC information (step S401) and then still picture group information pointed to by a cell to be reproduced is read (step 402). Information for the start position of a still picture group is read from the read still picture group information and the position of a desired still picture is calculated (step S403). Here, the position of a desired still picture is obtained by summing the start position of a still picture group and the size of data preceding the desired still picture. The video data is read and decoded in accordance with the position information of the desired still picture to reproduce the still picture (step S404).
It is then checked whether additional audio data is present in the still picture group information or not (step S405). If not, it is checked whether there is original audio data (step S406). Here, the presence of additional audio data in the map information for video parts of the desired still picture to be reproduced can be determined using the identification information for an additional audio group and the identification information for additional audio data. The presence of original audio data can be known by determining whether there is audio information (an audio map) in the map table of the desired still picture to be reproduced.
If there is original audio data in step S406, the read position of the original audio data is calculated (step S407). Here, the read position of the original audio data is obtained by summing the calculated position of the still picture and the size of video parts of the still picture. Original audio data is read from the calculated position
-26-

information of the still picture and decoded to reproduce the original audio data (step S408) and the procedure proceeds to step S411 as shown in FIG. 28B.
If additional audio data is present in step S405, that is, if the read identification information for the additional audio group designated to the still picture and identification information for the additional audio data are not "0", the start position of the additional audio group is read from the additional audio group information to calculate the position of desired additional audio data (step S409 in FIG. 28B). The position of desired additional audio data is obtained by summing the start position of an additional audio group and the size of the additional audio data preceding the additional audio data having the identification information for desired additional audio data in the additional audio group.
Additional audio data is read from the calculated position information for the desired additional audio data and is decoded to reproduce the additional audio data (step S410). Then, it is determined whether there is a still picture to be reproduced next (step S411). If yes, the procedure returns to step S403. Otherwise, the procedure is terminated (step S411). In the case of reproducing a plurality of cells, the overall procedure is repeated.
Alternatively, instead of step 405 of determining whether additional audio data is present or not and step 406 of determining whether original audio data is present or not, it is first determined using the still picture group information read in step S402 whether the still picture to be reproduced is a still picture having only a video part, one having original audio data added thereto, or one having additional audio data added thereto. If the still picture has only a video part, steps S403 and S404 are performed. If the still picture has original audio data, steps S403, S404, S407 and S408. If the still picture has additional audio data, steps S403, S404, S409, S410 and $411.
Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, before reproduction, a reproduction mode is set by interfacing with a user to determine whether only a still picture is to be reproduced, both a still picture and original audio data are to be reproduced, or both a still picture and additional audio data are to be reproduced.
-27-

FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing a method for reproducing a still picture according to still another embodiment of the present invention, that is, a method for reproducing data in the case when virtual deletion information in a still picture is set to a virtual delete state. Referring to FIG. 29, PGC information and cell information are read (step S501). Identification information for a still picture group to be reproduced, playback start identification information and playback ending identification information are read from the cell information to read the still picture group information pointed to by the cell (step S502). Video map information for the video part corresponding to the playback start identification information in the read still picture group information is obtained to read the size of a video part and the virtual deletion information (step S503).
When it is determined that the virtual deletion information is set to a virtual delete state, a still picture set to the virtual delete state should not be reproduced. Thus, reproduction is skipped and the procedure proceeds to step S508.
If the virtual deletion information is not set to a virtual delete state in step S504, the position of a desired still picture is calculated by the read video part information and video data located at the calculated position is read and decoded to reproduce the still picture (step S505). Here, the position of a desired still picture is obtained by summing the start position of a still picture group and the size of data preceding the desired still picture. While the still picture is reproduced, it is determined whether audio data is added to the still picture (step S506). If yes, the audio data is read and decoded to reproduce the audio data (step S507). Here, two types of audio data are added to a still picture, that is, original audio data recorded with video data of the still picture and additional audio data added after recording. Either ¦ type or both types of audio data may exist. If both types of audio data exist, the additional audio data is automatically reproduced or one type of audio data is selected by a user to then be reproduced.
Here: the read position of the original audio data is obtained by summing the calculated position of the still picture and the size of video parts of the still picture. The position of the additional audio data is obtained by summing the start position of an additional audio group and the size of additional audio data preceding additional
-28-

audio data having identification information for the additional audio data in the additional audio group information
it is checked whether all still pictures belonging to a cell have been reproduced or not using the cell information and then it is determined whether or not there is a still picture to be reproduced next (step S508) If yes. the information for the video part of a still picture to be reproduced next is read (step S503). Otherwise, the procedure is terminated. In the case of reproducing a plurality of cells, the overall procedure is repeated
FIGS. 30A and 30B illustrate a flow chart showing a method for deleting data using virtual deletion information according to the present invention, in the case when a user intends to actually delete a specific still picture and/or additional audio data. Referring to FIG 30, a deletion command for deleting a specific still picture is input by a user (step S601) In accordance with the deletion command, virtual deletion information for a still picture in the corresponding still picture group information is set to a virtual delete state "1" (step S602). It is determined whether virtual deletion information for all still pictures in the corresponding still picture group information is set to a virtual delete state "1" (step S603). If virtual deletion information for ail still pictures in the corresponding still picture group information is set to a virtual delete state "1". the corresponding still picture group is actually deleted from the still picture information and the still picture group information is updated (step S604). All of the data in the corresponding still picture group is actually deleted from a still picture data file and the area of the corresponding still picture group is set to a free area (step S605). Other still pictures or moving pictures can be recorded in the free area and this file area is updated in a file system.
It is determined whether the virtually deleted still picture has additional audio data (step S606) If yes. virtual deletion information for additional audio data in the corresponding additional audio group information is set to a virtual delete state "1" (step S607), It is determined whether virtual deletion information for all additional audio parts in the corresponding additional audio group information is set to a virtual delete state "1" (step S608). if virtual deletion information for all additional audio parts tn the corresponding additional audio group information is set to a virtual
-29-

delete state "1", the corresponding additional audio group is actually deleted from the additional audio information and the additional audio group information is updated (step S609), All of the data in the corresponding additional audio group is actually deleted from an additional audio data file (step S610).
As described above, according to the present invention, during reproduction, a virtually deleted still picture is not reproduced, using virtual deletion information. Thus, recording areas can be prevented from being scattered when some data files are deleted at a user's request, thereby avoiding an abrupt increase in file extent information.
Also, original audio data added to a virtually deleted still picture can be virtually deleted using virtual deletion information, and additional audio data corresponding to the still picture can also be virtually deleted. A still picture or additional audio data virtually deleted in units of groups is actually deleted from a file so that a free area for recording new data can be secured.
Further, a large number of still pictures, original audio parts added thereto and additional audio data can be recorded using maximum information. During reproduction, data can be displayed and edited in units of still pictures. Also, it is possible to confront after-recording of audio data using the additional audio data. Video maps and/or audio maps for still pictures can be formed in a recording order of bitstreams, thereby allowing effective management of information.
-30-

WE CLAIM :
1. An apparatus for recording and/or reproducing audio and/or video data
on a recordable and/or rewriteable recording medium comprising :
a recording processor to signal-process a plurality of still pictures to be recorded in a first region of the recording medium ; and
a controller to control first virtual deletion information, of at least a flag, for the still pictures settable to a virtual delete state for control of reproduction of the still pictures upon playback of the recording medium, the first virtual deletion information contained within still picture group information for separating the still pictures in the first region into within a predetermined maximum number of still picture groups so as to manage the still pictures at a group level, to generate playback information related to a reproduction order, and to control the generated playback information to be recorded in a second region of the recording medium ;
wherein the still picture group information comprises start positions of each of the still picture groups and sizes of each of the still pictures in the corresponding still picture groups.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the recording processor
further records original audio data added to the still pictures consecutively
after the still pictures.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the still picture group
information includes still picture group general information containing start
positions of each still picture group and information relating to a number of
video parts in each still picture group, and information for the still pictures in
each still picture group, the information for the still pictures containing position
information for the still pictures.
-31-

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the recording processor
signal-processes additional audio data added to desired ones of the still
pictures to be recorded after the still pictures are recorded in a third region,
and the controller controls additional audio group information having second
virtual deletion information for virtually deleting the additional audio data
corresponding to the desired still pictures having the first virtual deletion
information set to the virtual delete state, the first virtual deletion information
being within the still picture group information which separates the additional
audio data into within a predetermined maximum number of groups so as to
manage the additional audio data at a group level, and information indicative
of the additional audio data to be recorded in the second region.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of the first, second
and third regions exists in separate files.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first and third regions
exist in one file.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the still picture group
information includes still picture group general information containing start
positions of each still picture group and information relating to a number of
video parts in each still picture group, and comprises information for the still
pictures in each still picture group, the information for the still pictures
containing position information for the still pictures in each still picture group
and information indicative of the additional audio data in each additional audio
group.
-32-

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the position information
for the still pictures comprises size information of the video parts and the first
virtual deletion information.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the recording processor
records original audio data added to ones of the still pictures on the recording
medium, and the position information for the still pictures comprises size
information of audio parts for the original audio data added to the
corresponding still pictures.
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the information indicative
of additional audio data includes identification information for each additional
audio group and identification information for the additional audio data in each
corresponding additional audio group.
11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the additional audio
group information comprises additional audio group general information
containing start positions of each additional audio group and information
relating to a number of the additional audio data in each additional audio
group, and information for the additional audio data, the information for the
additional audio data containing second virtual deletion information and size
information for each of the additional audio data.
12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the additional audio
group general information comprises identification information for each
additional audio group, and the information for the additional audio data
further includes identification information for each additional audio data in
each additional audio group.
-33-

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the playback information
comprises identification information indicative of the additional audio groups
and identification information of the playback start and ending positions in one
of the additional audio groups which include the additional audio data
corresponding to a desired one of the still pictures.
14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising a playback processor
to reproduce a desired one of the still pictures stored in the first region based
on the still picture group information in the second region, and not
reproducing the desired still picture if the desired still picture has the first
virtual deletion information set to the virtual delete state.
15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the recording processor
signal-processes original audio data corresponding to ones of the still pictures
to be recorded consecutively after the corresponding still pictures, each still
picture has a video part and each original audio data has an original audio
part, and the playback processor reproduces neither the video part of each
still picture having the first virtual deletion information set to the virtual delete
state nor the corresponding original audio data.
16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the playback processor
reproduces the desired still picture if the virtual delete state of the first virtual
deletion information of the desired still picture is cleared.
17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller determines
if all still pictures in a same one still picture group are set to the virtual delete
state, and deletes all data in the one still picture group and deletes the
corresponding still picture group information if all the still pictures in the one
still picture group are set to the virtual delete state.
-34-

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the recording processor
signal-processes additional audio data corresponding to ones of the still
pictures and to be recorded on the recording medium in a third region, the
controller controls the still picture group information to have second virtual
deletion information for the additional audio data settable to the virtual delete
state, the playback processor reproduces a desired one of the still pictures in
the first region and the additional audio data corresponding to the still picture
data, based on the still picture group information in the second region, while
not reproducing the additional audio data having the second virtual deletion
information set to the virtual delete state, the virtual delete state
corresponding to the still picture having the first virtual deletion information set
to the virtual delete state.
19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the playback processor
reproduces the desired still picture if the virtual delete state of the first virtual
deletion information is cleared.
20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the controller determines
if all additional audio data in a same one additional audio group are set to the
virtual delete state, and deletes all data in the one additional audio group and
deletes the corresponding additional audio group information if all the
additional audio data in the one additional audio group are set to a virtual
delete state
21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the playback processor
reproduces the desired still picture located at a first position determined by
summing a start position of one of the still picture groups in the still picture
group information in the second region which includes the desired still picture
and sizes of data preceding the desired still picture, original audio data
-35-

located at a second position determined by summing the first position of the desired still picture and a size of a video part of the desired still picture, and the additional audio data located at a third position determined by summing a start position of one of the additional audio groups in the additional audio group information in the second region corresponding to the desired still picture and a size of data preceding the additional audio data located at the third position.
22. An apparatus for recording still pictures on a recording medium
comprising :
a recording processor to signal-process a at least one still picture on the recording medium ; and
a controller to control first virtual deletion information, of at least one flag, for the one still picture settable to a virtual delete state for controlling reproduction of the one still picture upon playback of the recording medium, the first virtual deletion information contained within still picture group information for arranging still pictures into a number of still picture groups to generate playback information related to a reproduction order, and to control the generated playback information to be recorded on the recording medium ;
wherein the still picture group information comprises start positions of each of the still picture groups and sizes of each of the still pictures in the corresponding still picture groups.
23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the recording processor
signal-processes additional audio data corresponding to desired still pictures,
and the controller controls additional audio group information having second
virtual deletion information for virtually deleting the additional audio data
corresponding to the desired still pictures having the first virtual deletion
information set to the virtual delete state, the first virtual deletion information
-36-

being within the still picture group information which separates the additional audio data into within a number of groups, and information indicative of the additional audio data to be recorded.
24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the recording processor
signal-processes original audio data corresponding to still pictures to be
recorded consecutively after the corresponding still pictures, each still picture
having a video part and each original audio data having an original audio part.
25. An apparatus for reproducing still pictures from a recording medium
having a plurality of the still pictures arranged into a number of still picture
groups and still picture group information having first virtual deletion
information, of at least a flag, for the respective still pictures settable to a
virtual delete status for control of reproduction of respective still pictures upon
playback of the recording medium, the apparatus comprising :
a playback processor to reproduce a desired one of the still pictures based on the still picture group information, and not reproduce the desired still picture if the desired still picture has the first virtual deletion information set to the virtual delete state ; and
a reproducing processor to signal-process the desired still picture ;
wherein the still picture group information comprises start positions of each of the still picture groups and sizes of each of the still pictures in the corresponding still picture groups.
26. The apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein the recording medium
further has original audio data corresponding to ones of the still pictures and
recorded consecutively after the corresponding still pictures, each still picture
has a video part and each original audio data has an original audio part,
wherein :
-37-

the playback processor reproduces the desired still picture and the corresponding original audio data if the corresponding first virtual deletion information is not set to the virtual delete state and does not reproduce the desired still picture nor the corresponding original audio data if the corresponding first deletion information is set to the virtual delete state.
27. The apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein the playback processor
reproduces the desired still picture if the virtual delete state of the first virtual
deletion information of the desired still picture is cleared.
28. The apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein the playback processor
reproduces the desired still picture and the corresponding original audio data
if the virtual delete state of the first virtual deletion information of the desired
still picture is cleared.
29. The apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein the recording medium
has additional audio data corresponding to ones of the still pictures, and
second virtual deletion information for the additional audio data settable to the
virtual delete state, wherein :
the playback processor reproduces a desired one of the still pictures and the additional audio data corresponding to the still picture data, based on the still picture group information, while not reproducing the additional audio data having the second virtual deletion information set to the virtual delete state, the virtual delete state of the second virtual deletion information having a same value as the first virtual deletion information set to the virtual delete state of the corresponding desired still picture.
-38-

30. The apparatus as claimed in claim 29, wherein the playback processor
reproduces the desired still picture and the corresponding additional audio if
the virtual delete state of the first virtual deletion information and the second
virtual deletion information are cleared.
31. The apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the recording medium
has additional audio data corresponding to ones of the still pictures, and
second virtual deletion information for the additional audio data settable to the
virtual delete state, wherein :
the playback processor reproduces a desired one of the still pictures and the additional audio data corresponding to the still picture data, based on the still picture group information, while not reproducing the additional audio data having the second virtual deletion information set to the virtual delete state, the virtual delete state of the second virtual deletion information having a same value as the first virtual deletion information set to the virtual delete state of the corresponding desired still picture.
32. The apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the playback processor
reproduces the desired still picture, the corresponding original audio data and
the corresponding additional audio if the virtual delete state of the first virtual
deletion information and the second virtual deletion information are cleared.
33. The apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein the playback processor
reproduces the desired still picture located at a first position determined by
summing a start position of one of the still picture groups in the still picture
group information which includes the desired still picture and sizes of data
preceding the desired still picture.
-39-

34. The apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the playback processor
reproduces the desired still picture located at a first position determined by
summing a start position of one of the still picture groups in the still picture
group information which includes the desired still picture and sizes of data
preceding the desired still picture and the original audio data located at a
second position determined by summing the first position of the desired still
picture and a size of a video part of the desired still picture.
35. The apparatus as claimed in claim 29, wherein the playback processor
reproduces the desired still picture located at a first position determined by
summing a start position of one of the still picture groups in the still picture
group information which comprises the desired still picture and sizes of data
preceding the desired still picture and the additional audio data located at a
third position determined by summing a start position of one of the additional
audio groups in the additional audio group information corresponding to the
desired still picture and a size of data preceding the additional audio data
located at the third position.
36. The apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the playback processor
reproduces the desired still picture located at a first position determined by
summing a start position of one of the still picture groups in the still picture
group information which comprises the desired still picture and sizes of data
preceding the desired still picture, the original audio data located at a second
position determined by summing the first position of the desired still picture
and a size of a video part of the desired still picture, and the additional audio
data located at a third position determined by summing a start position of one
of the additional audio groups in the additional audio group information
corresponding to the desired still picture and a size of data preceding the
additional audio data located at the third position.
-40-

37. An apparatus for reproducing still pictures from a recording medium
having a plurality of the still pictures arranged into a number of groups and
still picture group information having first virtual deletion information, of at
least a flag, for the respective still pictures indicative of a virtual delete status
for control of reproduction of the respective still pictures upon playback of the
recording medium, the apparatus comprising :
an optical pickup to read the still picture group information in accordance with the playback information ; and
a reproducer to calculate a first position of a desired one of the still pictures in accordance with the read still picture group information and reproduce the still picture located at the calculated first position, and does not reproduce the still picture at the calculated first position if the still picture at the calculated first position has the first virtual deletion information contained in the read still picture group information set to a virtual delete state ;
wherein the still picture group information comprises start positions of each of the still picture groups and sizes of each of the still pictures in the corresponding still picture groups.
38. The apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein the recording medium
further has original audio data recorded consecutively after corresponding
ones of the still pictures, and the reproducer calculates a second position of
the original audio data corresponding to the desired still picture in accordance
with the read still picture group information and reproduces the original audio
data located at the calculated second position, and does not reproduce the
original audio data corresponding to the desired still picture having the first
virtual deletion information contained in the read still picture group information
set to the virtual delete state.
-41-

39. The apparatus as claimed in claim 38, wherein the reproducer
calculates the first position of the desired still picture by summing a start
position of one of the still picture groups in the read still picture group
information which comprises the desired still picture and sizes of data
preceding the desired still picture, and calculates the second position of the
original audio data by summing the calculated first position of the desired still
picture and a size of a video part of the still picture.
40. The apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein the reproducer
reproduces the desired still picture if the virtual delete state of the first virtual
deletion information is cleared.
41. The apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein the recording medium
further has additional audio data corresponding to ones of the still pictures
and arranged into a number of additional audio data groups and additional
audio group information having second virtual deletion information for the
respective still pictures indicative of a virtual delete state set by a user, and
the reproducer calculates a second position of the additional audio data for
the corresponding desired still picture in accordance with the additional audio
group information if there is information indicative of one of the additional
audio groups in the read still picture group information and reproduces the
additional audio data at the second position, and does not reproduce the
additional audio data at the second position having the second virtual deletion
information corresponding to the desired still picture having the first virtual
deletion information set to the virtual delete state, set to the virtual delete
state.
-42-

42. The apparatus as claimed in claim 41, wherein the reproducer
reproduces the corresponding additional audio data if the virtual delete state
of the second virtual deletion information is cleared.
43. The apparatus as claimed in claim 38, wherein the recording medium
further has additional audio data corresponding to ones of the still pictures
and arranged into a number of additional audio data groups and additional
audio group information having second virtual deletion information for the
respective still pictures indicative of a virtual delete state set by a user, and
the reproducer calculates a third position of the additional audio data for the
corresponding desired still picture in accordance with the additional audio
group information if there is information indicative of one of the additional
audio groups in the read still picture group information and reproduces the
additional audio data at the third position, and does not reproduce the
additional audio data at the third position having the second virtual deletion
information corresponding to the desired still picture having the first virtual
deletion information set to the virtual delete state, set to the virtual delete
state.
44. The apparatus as claimed in claim 43, wherein the reproducer
reproduces the corresponding additional audio data if the virtual delete state
of the second virtual deletion information is cleared.
45. The apparatus as claimed in claim 43, wherein the reproducer
calculates the third position of the additional audio data by summing a start
position of the additional audio group in the additional audio group information
which includes the additional audio data corresponding to the desired still
picture and sizes of data preceding the corresponding additional audio data.
-43-

46. An apparatus for reproducing still pictures from a recording medium
having a plurality of the still pictures arranged into a number of still picture
groups and still picture group information having first virtual deletion
information, of at least a flag, for the respective still pictures indicative of a
virtual delete status for control of reproduction of the respective still pictures
upon playback of the recording medium, the apparatus comprising :
an optical pickup to read the still picture group information including the first virtual deletion information according to the playback information ; and
a reproducer to determine whether the first virtual deletion information for one of the still pictures to be reproduced is set to a virtual delete status, and to calculate a position of the still picture to be reproduced in accordance with the read still picture information ;
wherein the optical pickup reads and the reproducer decodes the still picture to be reproduced if the first virtual deletion information is not set to the virtual delete status and the optical pickup does not read and the reproducer does not decode the still picture to be reproduced if the first virtual deletion information is set to the virtual delete status, and the still picture group information comprises start positions of each of the still picture groups and sizes of each of the still pictures in the corresponding still picture groups.
47. The apparatus as claimed in claim 46, wherein the recording medium
further has original audio data recorded consecutively after corresponding
ones of the still pictures, the reproducer determines whether the original audio
data corresponding to the still picture to be reproduced is present, and the
optical pickup reads and the reproducer decodes the original audio
corresponding to the still picture to be reproduced only in response to the
reading and decoding of the still picture to be reproduced when the first virtual
deletion information is set to the first virtual delete status.
-44-

48. The apparatus as claimed in claim 46, wherein the optical pickup reads
cell information indicating the group of the still picture to be reproduced and a
reproduction order of the still pictures, and the reproducer determines whether
another one of the still pictures is to be reproduced according to the cell
information after the reading and decoding of the still picture to be
reproduced.
49. The apparatus as claimed in claim 46, wherein the recording medium
has additional audio data corresponding to ones of the still pictures and
arranged into a number of additional audio data groups and additional audio
group information having second virtual deletion information for the respective
still pictures indicative of a virtual delete state set by a user, the reproducer
determining whether the additional audio data corresponding to the still
picture to be reproduced is present, and the optical pickup reads and the
reproducer decodes the additional audio data corresponding to the still picture
to be reproduced if the first virtual deletion information is not set to the virtual
delete status and not reading and not decoding additional audio information
corresponding to the still picture to be reproduced if the first virtual deletion
information is set to the virtual delete status.
50. The apparatus as claimed in claim 47, wherein the recording medium
has additional audio data corresponding to ones of the still pictures and
arranged into a number of additional audio data groups and additional audio
group information having second virtual deletion information for the respective
still pictures indicative of a virtual delete state set by a user, the reproducer
determines whether the additional audio data corresponding to the still picture
to be reproduced is present, and the optical pickup reads and the reproducer
decodes the additional audio data corresponding to the still picture to be
-45-

reproduced if the first virtual deletion information is not set to the virtual delete status and not reading and not decoding additional audio information corresponding to the still picture to be reproduced if the first virtual deletion information is set to the virtual delete status.
51. The apparatus as claimed in claim 50, wherein the optical pickup reads
cell information indicating the group of the still picture to be reproduced and a
reproduction order of the still pictures, and the reproducer determines whether
another one of the still pictures is to be reproduced according to the cell
information after the reading and decoding of the still picture to be
reproduced.
52. An apparatus for recording and/or reproducing audio and/or video data
on a recordable and/or rewriteable recording medium, substantially as herein
described, particularly with reference to and as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
53. An apparatus for recording still pictures on a recording medium,
substantially as herein described, particularly with reference to and as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
-46-
An apparatus for recording and/or reproducing audio and/or video data on a recordable and/or rewriteable recording medium comprising:
a recording processor (120) for signal-processing a plurality of still pictures to be recorded on a first region on the recording medium; and
a controller (160) for controlling first virtual deletion information for still pictures set to a virtual delete state by a user, the first virtual deletion information contained within still picture group information for separating the still pictures in the first region into within a predetermined maximum number of groups in order to manage the still pictures at a group level, for generating playback information related to a reproduction order, and for controlling the generated playback information to be recorded on a second region.

Documents:

00086-kol-2003-abstract.pdf

00086-kol-2003-claims.pdf

00086-kol-2003-correspondence.pdf

00086-kol-2003-description(complete).pdf

00086-kol-2003-drawings.pdf

00086-kol-2003-form-1.pdf

00086-kol-2003-form-18.pdf

00086-kol-2003-form-2.pdf

00086-kol-2003-form-3.pdf

00086-kol-2003-form-5.pdf

00086-kol-2003-g.p.a.pdf

00086-kol-2003-letters patent.pdf

00086-kol-2003-priority document others.pdf

00086-kol-2003-priority document.pdf

86-KOL-2003-FORM-27.pdf


Patent Number 202538
Indian Patent Application Number 86/KOL/2003
PG Journal Number 08/2007
Publication Date 23-Feb-2007
Grant Date 23-Feb-2007
Date of Filing 14-Feb-2003
Name of Patentee SAMSUNG ELETRONICS CO.LTD.
Applicant Address 416,MAETAN-DONG, PALDAL-GU,SUWON-CITY, KYUNGKI-DO,
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 MOON SEONG JIN 107-401, JUGONG APT.35,WONCHEON-DONG, PALDAL-GU,SUWON CITY,KYUNGKI-DO,
2 OH YOUNG NAM 403-302SATBYULMAEUL 39,BUNDANG-DONG, BUNDANG-GU,SUNGNAM-CITY KYUNGKI-DO,
3 CHUNG TAE YUN 806-602,JUGONG APT. 41 BURIM-DONG,GWACHEON-CITY,KYUNGKI-DO
4 KANG JUNG SUK 201,409-385 SHINLIM-DONG, KWANAK-GU,SEOUL
5 PARK PAN GIE 422-202 CHUNGMYUNG MAEUL GUNYOUNG APT. 1047-1, YOUNGTONG-DONG PALDAL-GU SUWON CITY KYUNGKI-DO,
PCT International Classification Number G11B 20/12,20/00
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 98-23991 1998-06-24 Republic of Korea
2 98-44804 1998-10-26 Republic of Korea