Menu authoring system and method for automatically performing low-level DVD configuration functions and thereby ease an author's job

Abstract

A DVD authoring system in a processor-based system removes an author from consideration of the DVD Specification during authoring. According to a preferred embodiment, the authoring system provides an authoring engine having an interactive graphical authoring interface, a data management engine, an emulator, a compiler, a multiplexer and a simulator. Using summary authoring data, the compiler builds a skeleton-form PGC layout structure comprising control PGC abstractions and router PGC abstractions. The compiler then resolves the PGC abstractions according to source-target connections. During playback on a DVD player, the PGC abstractions form elements in a connection-switching abstraction superstructure. Accordingly, in response to DVD-consumer and other control events, a source PGC preferably determines target PGC information and then transfers control, via virtual connections through necessary router PGC abstractions, to a target PGC abstraction. The target PGC abstraction then correspondingly initiates playback of a movie chapter or displays a menu.

Claims

We claim:

1. A method for compiling an authored DVD video program, the method comprising:

providing an abstraction layer between menu buttons, movie chapters and connections therebetween, and interconnected PGCs, their instructions and their allocation within a DVD video space and domain structure;

whereby an author of the DVD video program is able to author the DVD video program by referencing elements of the abstaction layer rather than by referencing the interconnected PGCs, their instructions and their allocation within the DVD video space and domain structure.

2. A system for compiling an authored multimedia presentation to form a DVD video program, the system comprising:

means for providing an abstraction layer on top of interconnected PGCs, their instructions and their allocation within a DVD video space and domain structure; and

means for compiling elements of the abstraction layer to generate DVD program code and content.

3. A system for compiling an authored multimedia presentation to form a DVD video program, the system comprising:

means for authoring DVD program content; and

means for interlinking content elements with one another using automatically generated dummy PGCs.

4. A method for compiling an authored multimedia presentation to form a DVD video program, the method comprising establishing an abstracted reference to program code referenced in a DVD program before an absolute reference to the program code is known.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to mass data storage and retrieval, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for authoring a digital versatile disk.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

New mass data storage means provide not only for storing greater amounts of multimedia and other information, but also for more interactive data retrieval by consumers. For example, one such storage means is espoused by the "DVD Specification for Read-Only Disc, Physical, File Format and Video Specifications" (DVD Consortium 1997), hereinafter referred to as the "DVD Specification". Other examples include further DVD-related technologies (e.g. DVD-Audio, DVD-RAM, etc.) as well as non-DVD technologies.

The Physical and File System portions of the DVD Specification defines the physical encoding and organization of data for storage on read-only digital versatile disk ("DVD ROM") media. The Video portion of the DVD Specification defines a data set ("DVD-Video data set") with which pre-recorded DVD-Video discs must conform in order to assure proper reading, decoding and playback when inserted into a media reader/decoder ("DVD-player"). More specifically, the Video portion specifies how "control data" and audio/video "presentation data" are encoded and ordered within the data set. The control data determines how presentation of audio/video data will proceed when the disc is played back on a DVD-player and consists of low-level state information, data structures and instruction sets which govern what kinds of functions and user operations a DVD player can perform.

The DVD Specification is further hereby fully incorporated herein by reference as if repeated verbatim immediately hereinafter.

The process of encoding and authoring a DVD movie title, as currently practiced, includes a number of separate and distinct steps requiring similarly separate and distinct expertise. After movie production, raw film and/or video footage is edited, the soundtrack is edited and mixed, and a movie film or video master is created. This master is subsequently digitized, encoded as video and audio streams and stored as data files. In accordance with the DVD Specification, the Moving Pictures Expert Group ("MPEG-1 or MPEG-2") format is used to encode the video streams and any one or more of a number of specified formats (e.g. MPEG-1or MPEG-2 Audio, Dolby AC-3, PCM) is used to encode the audio streams. Graphic data (i.e. still or moving images for creating menus and other presentation data) is also created and stored in conventional graphic files. Finally, authoring guidelines, the encoded audio and video stream files and the graphic files are gathered for the authoring phase.

During authoring, a DVD author utilizes the guidelines and file information to construct a DVD movie-title. The authored movie-title determines what a user of a resultant movie title will see and hear, and what kinds of interactions the user can command when the movie title is played back by a DVD-player. The author organizes the video, audio and (often author-created) subtitle files, divides the movie into segments ("chapters"), creates menus, and specifies low-level instructions. The low-level instructions will set parameters, define fixed or optional jump points and their destinations and determine the order and options by which playback of still pictures, movie chapters and associated audio tracks will proceed based on the user's menu selections and/or use of other DVD-player controls (i.e. typically using a remote control device).

Once authored, the author's organizational decisions, subtitle, chapter and menu decisions, and low-level instructions are compiled into control data, and the encoded video, audio and subtitle streams, as well as the graphic data files, are multiplexed into presentation data, which together constitute the DVD-Video data set. Finally, this DVD-Video data is converted into a "disc image layout" file, which can be used to bum a "rite-once DVD-R" disc, or can be stored onto a tape to send to a DVD-ROM manufacturing plant for creating a "master" disc, which can then be used for replication.

Conventional DVD authoring systems comprise a computer system running an application-specific DVD authoring program. An exemplary, widely used conventional DVD authoring system is Scenarist-II.

Scenarist-II is essentially an attempted, nearly direct embodiment of the DVD Specification. Using Scenarist-II, an author organizes data streams, and constructs menus and DVD structures according to the DVD Specification. Top level structures (i.e. up to 99 "VTSs" and "VTSMs", a "VMG" and a "VMGM") are constructed by selecting the structure type and then populating the structure with one or more low-level command segments ("program chains" or "PGCs") including movie or menu references. Throughout this process, the author also selects from among available data formats, as well as from among the numerous DVD options and requisite parameters, using a number of provided lists and other data and parameter representations. Stated alternatively, all structures and PGC parameters, capabilities and references must be fully specified by the author on an ongoing basis during authoring.

Unfortunately, the DVD Specification is very complex, as are the conventional programs that attempt to embody it. Available options are extensive, as are the numerous listings of options and parameters within programs such as Scenarist-II. The potential combinations of structures and PGCs are also extensive, and many such combinations will not ultimately result in functional DVD movie-titles.

To make matters more difficult, the PGCs (i.e. basic and frequent constructs of the DVD Specification and therefore of programs such as Scenarist-II) are counter-intuitive. Often, many PGCs (including both operative and so-called "dummy" PGCs) must be used in specific combinations to provide a DVD consumer with even the most basic control capabilities. Limitations imposed by the DVD Specification must also be considered throughout the process. Thus, errors in planning and/or programming might well remain undetected until after a substantial number of structures are formed. In addition, given the sheer number of structures, PGCs, commands, options and parameters involved, identifying, locating and correcting errors is difficult and time-consuming.

Consequently, while providing extensive low-level control and an expedient authoring-to-compilation correspondence, conventional authoring systems require an extensive expertise with regard to both the DVD Specification and the authoring system itself. Further, even assuming such expertise, authoring is extremely time-consuming and is therefore typically very costly. In addition, even assuming resolution of other factors, the time and expertise required would likely prevent authoring of even a preliminary movie-title as a directorial aid during the movie production process.

A further disadvantage of conventional authoring systems is that experimentation and all but necessary modification are often compromised due to time and cost considerations. Thus, many DVD movie titles (due to limited budget to support expensive authoring time) provide a DVD consumer with only minimal playback control, navigation flexibility and interactivity.

Accordingly, there is a need for an authoring system and method that enables DVD authoring in a manner removed from the structures and low-level instruction sets of the DVD Specification, thereby reducing the time, cost and complexity of the authoring process.

There is further a need for such an apparatus and method whereby authoring can be conducted in an intuitive manner, while maximizing flexibility and access to features provided by or otherwise not in conflict with the DVD Specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a data processing-system based authoring system and method that essentially removes an author from consideration of the structures and low-level instruction sets of the DVD Specification. More specifically, the present authoring system removes the ordered tasks associated with creating DVD structures and programming PGCs, and replaces them instead with an interactive, intuitive and graphical authoring environment.

The present invention further provides for flexible program flow in response to control events. Many interactive controls, menu button destinations and other features that are possible in accordance with the DVD Specification can be specified by an author in multiple instances and according to quick, intuitive and interactively modifiable selections. Thus the invention facilitates authoring of a DVD movie title by even an inexperienced author with context sensitive responsiveness to DVD consumer instructions and other DVD player-generated events.

Accordingly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises an authoring engine having an integrated interface with which an author performs the above tasks a data management engine for storing and recalling authoring information, a simulator for viewing progressive and/or comparatively authored movie titles prior to compiling, a compiler, a multiplexer and an emulator for viewing authored movie titles after compiling and multiplexing.

Included within and facilitating the ability of these elements to remove an author from the DVD Specification are several abstractions. Preferably, the interface provides such "user abstractions" as arranging movies (i.e. data streams including video, audio, subtitles, chapter points and other elements), creating menu layouts (i.e. menus, menu buttons and still or moving images with or without sound) and specifying connections among these arrangements and layouts, each in a simple and intuitive, yet highly flexible way. Further abstractions include a network or connection-switching abstraction and a number of control and router PGC abstractions from which the connection-switching abstraction is constructed.

Authoring instructions entered through the interface are preferably broken down into component parts and stored by the data management engine. The invoked compiler, using only summary authoring information, preferably constructs a skeleton form PGC layout structure comprised of PGC abstractions corresponding to the number of authored movie elements. The compiler then completes the layout structure according to author-selected and default source-target connections.

Further according to a preferred embodiment, during playback of a resultant DVD movie title, a source PGC abstraction is invoked in response to DVD player and/or consumer instructions. The source PGC abstraction determines target information and transfers control, through necessary router PGC abstractions, to a target PGC abstraction. The target, in accordance with the target information, plays a movie chapter, displays a menu, or sets and/or modifies one or more DVD parameter.

These and other objects, advantages and benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the drawings and specification that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is functional block diagram generally illustrating an authoring system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating in more detail a preferred authoring program of the authoring system shown in FIG. 1, according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a screenshot of a preferred performance element arrangement interface portion of the FIG. 2 authoring program, according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a blowup of the FIG. 3 screenshot showing, in more detail, a preferred authoring toolbar for accessing authoring program modules and functions;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method used by an author to create a performance element arrangement using the performance element arrangement interface portion of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6a is a flowchart illustrating preferred responses of the authoring program to authoring while the performance element arrangement interface portion of FIG. 3 is active;

FIG. 6b is a flowchart further illustrating preferred responses of the authoring engine to authoring while the performance element arrangement interface portion of FIG. 3 is active;

FIG. 7 is a screenshot of a menu element layout interface portion of the FIG. 2 authoring program, according to the invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method used by an author to create a menu layout using the menu element layout interface portion of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a screenshot of a preferred connections interface portion of the FIG. 2 authoring program, according to the invention;

FIG. 10 is a screenshot of a preferred simulator interface portion of the FIG. 2 authoring program, according to the invention;

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a preferred data management engine according to the invention;

FIG. 12a is a flowchart showing generally the operation of a preferred compiler according to the invention;

FIG. 12b is a flowchart showing how a compiler according to the invention preferably constructs a skeleton-form PGC layout structure;

FIG. 12c is a flowchart showing how the compiler preferably resolves source-target connections and substitutes those connections for null operations in a preferred skeleton-form PGC layout structure, according to the invention;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the format of a preferred PGC layout structure according to the invention;

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram showing a preferred connection-switching abstraction according to the invention;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a preferred operation of the connection-switching abstraction of FIG. 14, according to the invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For clarity sake, the discussed embodiment herein will be directed primarily toward storage according to the DVD Specification, and more specifically at authoring motion picture DVD ROMS ("movie titles"). It should be understood, however, that the present invention relates to a broad range of program and data storage and retrieval utilizing a variety of media, only a subset of which will be specifically identified herein. The types of DVD ROMS which can be authored are further in no way limited to movie titles. Other examples include but are not limited to music videos, documentaries, educational videos, corporate training, medical applications and other continuous play or interactive information which utilizes audio, video and/or other presentation data.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of authoring system 100 according to the invention preferably comprises electrically connected hardware elements including input devices 110, processor 115, memory 120, storage 125, MPEG encoder/decoder 130, video I/O device 135 and audio I/O device 140. Authoring system 100 further comprises software elements including operating system 150, authoring engine 160, data management engine 165, compiler 170, simulator 175, emulator 180 and multiplexer 185.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that several variations of the authoring system elements are contemplated and within the intended scope of the present invention. For example, given processor and computer performance variations and ongoing technological advancements, hardware elements such as MPEG encoder/decoder 130 may be embodied in software or in a combination of hardware and software. Similarly, software elements such as multiplexer 185 may be embodied in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software. Further, while connection to other computing devices is indicated as network I/O 145, wired, wireless, modem and/or other connection or connections to other computing devices (including but not limited to local area networks, wide area networks and the internet) might be utilized. A further example is that the use of distributed processing, multiple site viewing, information forwarding, collaboration, remote information retrieval and merging, and related capabilities are each contemplated. Various operating systems and data processing systems can also be utilized, however at least a conventional multitasking operating system such as Windows95.RTM. or Windows NT.RTM. (trademarks of Microsoft, Inc.) running on an IBM.RTM. (trademark to International Business Machines) compatible computer is preferred and will be presumed for the discussion herein. Input devices 110 can comprise any number of devices and/or device types for inputting commands and/or data, including but not limited to a keyboard, mouse, and/or speech recognition. (The use of a keyboard and a mouse are exemplified throughout the discussion that follows.)

The FIG. 2 block diagram illustrates in greater functional detail an authoring program 201 of the preferred authoring system of FIG. 1. As shown, authoring program 201 comprises authoring engine 160 (which includes interface 160a), data management engine 165, compiler 170, simulator 175, emulator 180, multiplexer 185, output DVD data storage 290 and layout formatter 187, user abstractions 285 and PGC abstractions 287.

It is discovered through examination of the features supported by DVD players that the basic presentation data types and consumer controls available to an author of DVD movie titles can be generalized and then reconstructed as abstracted user data types and controls. Further, despite the complexity of the DVD Specification, many of its programming constructs can also be generalized and then reconstructed as abstracted DVD program chains ("PGCs") operating within a further abstracted network or connection-switching superstructure. Such user abstractions 285 and PGC abstractions 287, as integrated into authoring engine 160, data management engine 165 and compiler 170 (as illustrated), effectively remove an author using authoring program 201 from consideration of DVD Specification 205. These abstractions further remove such consideration without unduly limiting, for most practical purposes, authoring flexibility, PGC efficiency or interactive responsiveness of a resultant DVD-ROM, among other factors. In addition, these abstractions provide a framework of re-useable components that are readily adaptable to further modification for providing improvements, and for re-use in a variety other DVD and non-DVD applications.

Authoring program 201 is preferably implemented in C++, an object-oriented language, for reliability, updateability and other known generalized advantages of object-oriented programming. Those skilled in the computer arts will appreciate however, that despite such advantages, other environments and/or programming languages of various object-oriented and non-object-oriented types can also be utilized.

Operationally, an author enters authoring information and instructions for activating and controlling authoring program 201 through interface portion 160a of authoring engine 160. Authoring engine 160 interactively receives entered information and commands by correspondingly adjusting interface portion 160a, invoking a further authoring program module, sending entered authoring information to data management engine 165, retrieving authored information from data management engine 165, and sending and/or retrieving presentation data from presentation data storage 203. Data management engine 165 responds to authoring engine 160 by receiving and storing authored information from authoring engine 160 and/or sending information, which it retrieves from storage (and/or from a remote source), to authoring engine 160. Simulator 175 responds to authoring engine 160 by retrieving authoring data from data management engine 165, retrieving multiplexed presentation data from multiplexer, and simulating an authored DVD-ROM in conjunction with interface 160a.

Compiler 170 responds to authoring engine 160 by retrieving authored information from data management engine 165, compiling the information and storing the compiled information (".ifo files") in output DVD data storage 290. Emulator 180 responds to authoring engine 160 by retrieving compiled data from output DVD data storage 290, retrieving multiplexed data from output DVD data storage 290 and emulating an authored DVD-ROM in conjunction with interface 160a. Multiplexer 185 responds to authoring engine 160 by receiving DVD parameter information from compiler 170, retrieving presentation data from presentation data storage 203 and combining the retrieved information and data in accordance DVD Specification 205. Multiplexer 185 then stores the combined information and data ("DVD data stream" or ".vob file") in output DVD data storage 290. Layout formatter 187 retrieves the .vob files and ifo files from output DVD data storage 290 and combines these files into a single "disc image" file, which it then stores in disc image file storage 207. The disc image file can then be sent through network I/O 145 (FIG. 1) to additional apparatus for further review, processing and/or for burning one or more DVD-ROMs 207.

FIGS. 3 through 10, with reference to FIG. 2, illustrate how an interface according to the invention enables an author to assemble a movie title essentially removed from DVD programming specifications 207 (FIG. 2) of the DVD Specification. Preferred interface 160a is illustrated as an application running under a Windows95.RTM. or Windows NT.RTM. (trademark of Microsoft, Corp.) operating system.

The FIG. 3 screenshot illustrates a preferred authoring window 300, which an author can utilize to select an arrangement of audio-visual material including video segments ("video clips"), audio segments ("audio clips") and subtitles (hereinafter referred to collectively as "performance data").

Authoring window 300 is divided into movable, modifiable and replaceable groupings or "views" and "panels" including presentation data panel 301, performance assembly panel 302, assembled elements panel 307, log panel 308 and preview video panel 309. Assembly panel 302 is further divided into video assembly portion 320, audio assembly portion 330 and subtitle assembly portion 340 (which are collectively referred to herein as performance view 303), and performance tools portion 360. Authoring window 300 also includes authoring toolbar 399a and menu bar 399b. For clarity sake, the following discussion assumes that a single, continuous movie is being authored (i.e. a movie having component video, audio and subtitle data streams each of which begins at the start of the movie and ends at the conclusion of the movie).

Presentation data panel 301 provides a display listing for each presentation data file that an author has selected and loaded for use in assembling movies and menus either during a current authoring session or when continuing a re-initiated, prior authoring session. File listings include file name 311, file duration 313, and file type 315 parameters. File name 311 lists the name of a file. File duration 313 lists the playback duration of files such as video data files and audio data files. File type 315 alternatively lists a file format, which is generally indicated by a filename extension, or a recognized data type such as "video" data or "audio" data. As will be further discussed, presentation data file listings can be used interactively during an authoring session.

Performance assembly view 303 of performance assembly panel 302 is used by an author to graphically and interactively assemble loaded video and/or audio data, to add and assemble subtitles, and/or to add chapter points. For these purposes, performance view 303 includes video assembly portion 320, audio assembly portion 330, subtitle assembly portion 340 and chapter assembly portion 350 respectively. Video assembly portion 320 is used by an author to assemble graphic objects referencing stored video data files ("video clips"). As discussed, these files, once initially selected, are listed in presentation data panel 301. Video frame thumbnails 323a and 323b are indicative of chapter points as will be further discussed herein.

Audio assembly portion 330 of performance assembly panel 302 is used by an author to receive graphic objects referencing stored audio data files ("audio clips"). As with video clips, audio clips, once selected for use, are listed in and selected from presentation data panel 301 for arrangement purposes. Up to eight (alternate language) audio data streams or audio "tracks", exemplified by audio tracks 331a through 331c, are available in accordance with DVD Specification 205 (FIG. 2). Audio bars 332a and 332b, which represent author-arranged audio clips, have a length that reflects the playback time of the audio data represented. Separators 333 are further indicators of chapter points, as with video frame thumbnails 323a and 323b of video assembly portion 320. Audio tracks 332a through 332c further include audio encoding indicators 334a, audio format indicators 334b, track number indicators 335 and selected language indicators 336, which are indicative respectively of audio data file encoding and playback format, selectable audio track number 336 and modifiable language label 335. Language labels 335 can be set by author selection or, as is expected, automatically by recognition of languages spoken in a recorded dialog of a respective audio track.

Subtitle assembly portion 340 provides for entry, retrieval and/or editing of up to thirty-two (alternate language) frame-based subtitle sequences, as exemplified by tracks 341a and 341b. Exemplary subtitle frames 342a and 342b illustrate textual subtitle contents. Subtitles are entered in a conventional manner using a conventional text editor (not shown) which is invoked by activating a subtitle frame (e.g. by menu selection or double-clicking) and/or by retrieving a pre-existing subtitle file using, for example, presentation data panel 301. As with audio assembly portion 330, subtitle portion 340 includes selectable track numbers and modifiable language label indicators.

Performance assembly view 303 also includes chapter assembly portion 350, which is used by an author to graphically and interactively assemble chapter points. Chapter assembly portion 350 includes wall clock 351, reference offset clock 352, author-assembled chapter indicators 353a through 353c, chapter time indicators 354a through 354c and reference time indicators 355a through 355c. Wall clock 351 indicates a time within a video clip corresponding to a cursor position over chapter portion 350 of assembly panel 302. Offset clock 352 indicates the start time of a currently indicated video clip according to the reference timecode of a master tape (i.e. from which the video data file was created). Chapter indicators 353a through 353c show chapter points (i.e. points to which a DVD-ROM consumer can advance) as arranged during authoring. Chapter time indicators 354a through 354c and reference time indicators 355a through 355c display the elapsed time of corresponding selected chapter points from the start of a movie and from the start of a clip respectively. Reference times are typically recorded (and thus can be selectively retrieved and displayed) utilizing Society of Motion Pictures and Television ("SMPTE") timecode.

As noted earlier, performance assembly panel 302 and the other panels and views of authoring window 300 are replaceable. Tabs 302a provide one alternative control structure for selectively switching between initiated or "open" authoring tasks, for example, to alternate between assembling presentation data of multiple movies, for creating menu layouts, and/or for other authoring tasks. Other control structures include menu options (not shown) for selectively de-coupling panels and transport enabling controls (362a through 362c and 363a through 363b), and further for re-coupling in the illustrated default arrangement, in an author-selectable arrangement and/or interactively by an author. Panels can be resized and/or re-arranged among other window capabilities, as will be understood by those skilled in the art in view of the discussion herein.

Assembly tools portion 360 of performance assembly panel 302 comprises selectable zoom controls 361a through 361c, preview transport buttons including stop 362a, play 362b and frame advance 362c, preview transport start time selector 363a and stop time selector 363b, selected clip indicator 364a and total clips indicator 364b. Zoom controls 361a through 361c are used respectively for increasing the viewable data range of a selected area within performance assembly view 303 of performance assembly panel 302, for selecting a portion of performance assembly view 302 for such viewing, and for decreasing the viewable data range. Transport controls 362a through 362c provide video playback control when previewing a video clip, audio clip and/or subtitle data using preview video panel 309, or when selecting a representative video frame in a video clip as a preview thumbnail (as with exemplary thumbnails 323a and 323b). Transport control 362a halts video, audio and/or subtitle playback, transport control 362b initiates/continues playback and transport control 362c provides for per-frame ("step") viewing, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Start and end time selectors 363a and 363b are used respectively for selecting and monitoring video, audio and/or subtitle playback position and for setting and monitoring a playback stop time.

Assembled elements panel 306 provides interactive and selectable listings of authored contents of a current movie title, including but not limited to movie volume 361, movies 362 and menus 363.

Log panel 308 provides selectable progress reports and other information relating to decoding/encoding of presentation data, compiling and layout of a disk file format according to DVD disk format specifications 205 (FIG. 2). These reports are automatically created and can be accessed using log tabs exemplified by tabs 381 and 383.

Preview video panel 303 selectively displays a video frame corresponding to a cursor position over assembly panel chapter portion 350, video assembly portion 320, audio assembly portion 330, subtitle portion 340 and/or chapter portion 350 of assembly panel 302. In addition, preview video panel is used for previewing video data using transport controls 362a through 362c, start and stop time selectors 363a and 363b or directly invoking the panel using selection or drag-and-drop capabilities. (As will be understood by those skilled in the art, encoded video and audio files are decoded and buffered, as needed, for playback in a conventional manner using MPEG encoder/decoder 130 of FIG. 1.)

The following toolbar chart lists the respective elements of toolbar 399. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, in view of the discussion herein, that the toolbar elements can vary substantially and includes user-defined expandable and replaceable elements. The elements shown are provided as defaults.

    Label     Referenced as     Description
    401       New volume        Loads default values and adjusts the
                                interface for a new movie title.
    403       New menu          Loads default values and adjusts the
                                interface for a new menu layout.
    405       New movie         Loads default values and adjusts the
                                interface for authoring a new movie.
    407       Connections       Switches to an existing connections
                                interface or adjusts the interface,
                                according to default values for initially
                                setting connections.
    413-415   Cut, copy and paste Provide conventional functions except
                                as described herein for connections.
    421       Compile start     Initiating compiler operation.
    423       Compiler stop     Interrupts compiler operation.
    425       DVD Layout        Invokes DVD Disk layout operation.
    427       Write Tape        Provides for output of multiplexed
                                data stream to tape.
    429       Simulator         Invokes simulator

    Register Referenced as        Description
    GP10    Stream Select        Bit 15 = Select audio stream on/off
                                 Bit 14 = Select subtitle stream on/off
                                 Bit 13 = Select angle stream on,off
                                 Bits 10-12 = Audio stream number
                                 Bits 7-9 = Angle stream number
                                 Bits 0-6 = Subtitle stream number
    GP12    Target Movie Number  Stored number = Movie number
    GP13    Target Button Number Stored number = Button number
    GP14    Target Chapter Number Stored number = Chapter number
    GP15    Temporary Register   Stored number = value used with
                                 current PGC
    SP7     Last Chapter Played  DVD player fills the register with the
                                 number of the last chapter played
    SP8     Last Highlighted Button DVD player fills the register with the
                                 number of the last highlighted button

                                    APPENDIX A: PGC ABSTRACTION SOURCE CODE
    Exemplary Included Movies/Menus
    2 Movies with 3 chapters each
    2 Menus with 4 Buttons each
    Exemplary Included Connections
    Connections Source                       Connections Target
    Movie 1 : Chapter 1 Remote Key   ->   Menu  1: Button 1
    Movie 1 : Chapter 2 Remote Key   ->   Menu  1: Button 2
    Movie 1 : Chapter 3 Remote Key   ->   Menu  1: Button 3
    Movie 1 : Chapter 3 End          ->   Menu  1: Button 1
    Movie 2 : Chapter 1 Remote Key   ->   Menu  2: Button 1
    Movie 2 : Chapter 2 Remote Key   ->   Menu  2: Button 2
    Movie 2 : Chapter 3 Remote Key   ->   Menu  2: Button 3
    Movie 2 : Chapter 3 End          ->   Menu  2: Button 1
    Menu  1 : Button 1               ->   Movie 1: Chapter 1
    Menu  1 : Button 2               ->   Movie 1: Chapter 2
    Menu  1 : Button 3               ->   Movie 1: Chapter 3
    Menu  1 : Button 4               ->   Menu  2: Button 1
    Menu  2 : Button 1               ->   Movie 2: Chapter 1
    Menu  2 : Button 2               ->   Movie 2: Chapter 2
    Menu  2 : Button 3               ->   Movie 2: Chapter 3
    Menu  2 : Button 4               ->   Menu  1: Button 1
    PGC ABSTRACTION SOURCE CODE
    1. VIDEO MANAGER ("VMGM") Program Chains ("PGCs")
    First Play PGC
    PRE_CMD#1:      MovI    GP14,   1                        // Target =
     Chapter 1
    PRE_CMD#2:      MovI    GP12,   1                        // Target = Movie
     1
    PRE_CMD#3:      JumpSS          VMGM PGCI 2              // Jump To Movie
     Router
    Title PGC (PGC #1)
    PRE_CMD#1:      MovI    GP13,   1                        // Target = Button
     1
    PRE_CMD#2:      LinkPGCN        PGCN = 3                 // Jump to Menu 1
    Movie Router PGC (VMGM PGC #2)
    PRE_CMD#1:      MovI    GP15,   1                         // Setup
     Comparision to 1
    PRE_CMD#2:      EQ      GP15,   GP12    JumpTT  TTN = 1   // If Target
     Movie = goto Movie1
    PRE_CMD#3:      MovI    GP15,   2                         // Setup
     Comparision to 2
    PRE_CMD#4:      EQ      GP15,   GP12    JumpTT  TTN = 2   // If Target
     Movie = 2, goto Movie 2
    PRE CMD#5:      JumpSS          First Play               // Should never
     get here
    Menu 1 Display PGC (VMGM PGC #3)
    PRE_CMD#1:      Mov     GP15,   GP13                     // Put target
     button no. into temp storage
    PRE_CMD#2:      MulI    GP15,   1024                     // Shift Button
     number by 10 Bits to the left
    PRE CMD#3:      SetHL_BTNN      HLP = GP15               // Highlight
     target button in menu; display menu
    UZ,1/18 Menu 2 Display PGC (VMGM PGC #4)
    PRE CMD#1:      Mov     GP15,   GP13                     // Put target
     button no. into temp storage
    PRE CMD#2:      MulI    GP15,   1024                     // Shift Button
     number by 10 Bits to the left
    PRE CMD#3:      SetHL_BTNN      HLP = GP15               // Highlight
     target Button in menu; display menu
    Menu 1 Button Router (VMGM PGC #5)
    PRE_CMD#1:      Mov     GP15,   SP8                      // Put last
     highlighted button in temp storage
    PRE_CMD#2:      DivI    GP15,   1024                     // Shift Button
     number 10 bits to the right
    PRE_CMD#3:      NEI     GP15,   1 GoTo CMDNUM = 7        // If button
     number .noteq. 1, goto CMD #7
    PRE_CMD#4:      MovI    GP14,   1                        // Target =
     Chapter 1
    PRE_CMD#5:      JumpTT          TTN = 1                  // Jump Movie 1
    PRE_CMD#6:      Nop
    PRE_CMD#7:      NEI     GP15,   2 GoTo CMDNUM = 11       // If button
     number .noteq. 2, goto CMD #11
    PRE_CMD#8:      MovI    GP14,   2                        // Target =
     Chapter 2
    PRE_CMD#9:      JumpTT          TTN = 1                  // Jump Movie 1
    PRE_CMD#10:     Nop
    PRE_CMD#11:     NEI     GP15,   3 GoTo CMDNUM = 15       // If button
     number .noteq. 3, goto CMD #15
    PRE_CMD#12:     MovI    GP14,   3                        // Target =
     Chapter 3
    PRE_CMD#13:     JumpTT          TTN = 1                  // Jump Movie 1
    PRE_CMD#14:     Nop
    PRE_CMD#15:     MovI    GP13,   1                        // Target = Button
     1
    PRE_CMD#16:     LinkPGCN        PGCN = 4                 // Jump Menu 2
    Menu 1 Button Router (VMGM PGC #6)
    PRE_CMD#1:      Mov     GP15,   SP8                      // Put last
     highlighted button in temp storage
    PRE_CMD#2:      DivI    GP15,   1024                     // Shift Button
     number 10 bits to the right
    PRE_CMD#3:      NEI     GP15,   1 GoTo CMDNUM = 7        // If button
     number .noteq. 1, goto CMD #7
    PRE_CMD#4:      MovI    GP14,   1                        // Target =
     Chapter 1
    PRE_CMD#5:      JumpTT          TTN = 2                  // Jump Movie 2
    PRE_CMD#6:      Nop
    PRE_CMD#7:      NEI     GP15,   2 GoTo CMDNUM = 11       // If button
     number .noteq. 2, goto CMD #11
    PRE_CMD#8:      MovI    GP14,   2                        // Target =
     Chapter 2
    PRE_CMD#9:      JumpTT          TTN = 2                  // Jump Movie 2
    PRE_CMD#10:     Nop
    PRE_CMD#11:     NEI     GP15,   3 GoTo CMDNUM = 15       // If button
     number .noteq. 3, goto CMD #15
    PRE_CMD#12:     MovI    GP14,   3                        // Target =
     Chapter 3
    PRE_CMD#13:     JumpTT          TTN = 2                  // Jump Movie 2
    PRE_CMD#14:     Nop
    PRE_CMD#15:     MovI    GP13,   1                        // Target = Button
     1
    PRE_CMD#16:     LinkPGCN        PGCN = 3                 // Jump Menu 1
    Title 1 End Router Chapter 3 (VMGM PGC #7)
    PRE_CMD#1:      MovI    GP13,   1                        // Target = Button
     1
    PRE_CMD#2:      LinkPGCN        PGCN = 3                 // Jump Menu 1
    Title 2 End Router Chapter 3 (VMGM PGC #8)
    PRE_CMD#1:      MovI    GP13,   1                        // Target = Button
     1
    PRE_CMD#2:      LinkPGCN        PGCN = 4                 // Jump Menu 2
    2. Video Title Segment #1 ("VTS-1") PGCs
    Movie 1 Display PGC (VTS PGC #1)
    PRE_CMD#1:      Mov     GP15,   GP14                      // Move Target
     Chapter into temp storage
    PRE_CMD#2:      MovI    GP14,   0                         // Zero Target
     Chapter register
    PRE_CMD#3:      EQI     GP15,   1     LinkPGN   PGN = 1   // If Chapter=1,
     Goto Program #1 (Chapter 1)
    PRE_CMD#4:      EQI     GP15,   2     LinkPGN   PGN = 2   // If Chapter=2,
     Goto Program #2 (Chapter 2)
    PRE_CMD#5:      EQI     GP15,   3     LinkPGN   PGN = 3   // If Chapter=3,
     Goto Program #3 (Chapter 3)
    End CMD for Movie 1 Chapter 3 (VTS PGC #1)
    C_CMD#1:        CallSS  VMGM_PGCN = 7, DOMAIND = 3       // Jump to VMGM
     PGC #7 (Title1, End-router for Chapter 3)
    Chapter Router PGC (VTSM PGC #1)
    PRE_CMD#1:      Mov     GP15,   SP7                      // Put last played
     chapter into temp storage
    PRE_CMD#2:      Nop
    PRE_CMD#3:      Nop
    PRE_CMD#4:      Nop
    PRE_CMD#5:      GEI     GP15,   2 GoTo CMDNUM = 9        // If last chapter
     .gtoreq. 2, goto CMD #9
    PRE_CMD#6:      MovI    GP13,   1                        // Target = Button
     1
    PRE_CMD#7:      JumpSS  VMGM_PGCN = 3, DOMAIND = 3       // Jump to Menu 1
    PRE_CMD#8:      Nop
    PRE_CMD#9:      GEI     GP15,   3 GoTo CMDNUM = 13       // If last chapter
     .gtoreq. 3, goto CMD #13
    PRE_CMD#10:     MovI    GP13,   2                        // Target = Button
     2
    PRE_CMD#11:     JumpSS  VMGM_PGCN = 3, DOMAIND = 3       // Jump to Menu 1
    PRE_CMD#12:     Nop
    PRE_CMD#13:     MovI    GP13,   3                        // Target = Button
     3
    PRE_CMD#14:     JumpSS  VMGM_PGCN = 3, DOMAIND = 3       // Jump to Menu 1
    3. Video Title Segment #2 ("VTS-2") PGCS
    PRE_CMD#1:      Mov     GP15,   GP14                      // Move Target
     Chapter into temp storage
    PRE_CMD#2:      MovI    GP14,   0                         // Zero Target
     Chapter register
    PRE_CMD#3:      EQI     GP15,   1     LinkPGN   PGN = 1   // If Chapter=1,
     Goto Program #1 (Chapter 1)
    PRE_CMD#4:      EQI     GP15,   2     LinkPGN   PGN = 2   // If Chapter=2,
     Goto Program #2 (Chapter 2)
    PRE_CMD#5:      EQI     GP15,   3     LinkPGN   PGN = 3   // If Chapter=3,
     Goto Program #3 (Chapter 3)
    End CMD for Movie 2 Chapter 3 (VTS PGC #1)
    C_CMD#1:        CallSS  VMGM_PGCN = 7, DOMAIND = 3       // Jump to VMGM
     PGC #8 (Title 2 End-router for Chapter 3)
    Chapter Router PGC (VTSM PGC #1)
    PRE_CMD#1:      Mov     GP15,   SP7                      // Put last played
     chapter into temp storage
    PRE_CMD#2:      Nop
    PRE_CMD#3:      Nop
    PRE_CMD#4:      Nop
    PRE_CMD#5:      GEI     GP15,   2 GoTo CMDNUM = 9        // If last chapter
     .gtoreq. 2, goto CMD #9
    PRE_CMD#6:      MovI    GP13,   1                        // Target = Button
     1
    PRE_CMD#7:      JumpSS  VMGM_PGCN = 4, DOMAIND = 3       // Jump to Menu 1
    PRE_CMD#8:      Nop
    PRE_CMD#9:      GEI     GP15,   3 GoTo CMDNUM = 13       // If last chapter
     .gtoreq. 3, goto CMD #13
    PRE_CMD#10:     MovI    GP13,   2                        // Target = Button
     2
    PRE_CMD#11:     JumpSS  VMGM_PGCN = 4, DOMAIND = 3       // Jump to Menu 2
    PRE_CMD#12:     Nop
    PRE_CMD#13:     MovI    GP13,   3                        // Target = Button
     3
    PRE_CMD#14:     JumpSS  VMGM_PGCN = 4, DOMAIND = 3       // Jump to Menu 2

• Inventors
  Brodersen, Rainer; Wallace, Gregory Kent;
• Assignee
  Apple Computer, Inc. (Cupertino, CA)
• Published
  Sep-17-2002
• Current US Classes:
  345/719
  345/723
  386/46
  715/501.1
  717/100
• Application #
  010267
• International Classes
  G06F 009/44
• Field of Search
  345/418 345/302 345/474 345/326 345/719-726 705/51 707/522 707/501.1 386/97 386/46 386/4 386/125-126 709/227 717/100-116 717/136 717/149
• Examiner
  Dam; Tuan Q.
• Agent
  Pillsbury Winthrop LLP
• US Patent References:
  5450489
  5515490
  5544305
  5574843
  5592602
  5619636
  5659793
  5691972
  5694548
  5892507
  5907704
  6199082