Patent Publication Number: US-2005123269-A1

Title: Information processing apparatus, information editing apparatus, information processing system, playback apparatus, playback system, method therefor, program therefor, and recording medium storing the program

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information editing apparatus, an information processing system, a playback apparatus and a playback system for editing and processing information stored in a recording medium, a method therefor, a program therefor, and a recording medium storing the program.  
      2. Description of Related Art  
      Recently, as playback apparatus for recording and reproducing information such as TV broadcasts, those with a plurality of recording means become well known (for example, refer to http://www3.pioneer.cojp/catalog/pdf/hec_dvd_synthesis0307.pdf: Sep. 30, 2003). Such playback apparatus has a high-capacity hard disk (HD: Hard Disk) as a recording means and a drive for recording information readably in a recording medium such as DVD-R (Digital Versatile Disc-Recordable), DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disc-ReWritable) and DVD-RAM (Digital Versatile Disc-Random Access Memory). Also, such playback apparatus is so configured, for example, to record information in a HD once and then appropriately record in a recording medium such as DVD, or to record information directly in a recording medium.  
      According to the configuration of a conventional playback apparatus, for example, video is edited while viewing pictures displayed on the screen. Therefore, the video can be edited only at a location where a monitor connected with the playback apparatus is installed. Accordingly, what is desired is a configuration that allows effective video editing with ease.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information editing apparatus, an information processing system, a playback apparatus and a playback system with which effective information editing can be easily carried out, a method therefor, a program therefor, and a recording medium storing the program.  
      According to the present invention, an information processing apparatus includes: an information receiving section for receiving information output from an output section; an information sending section for sending the acquired information; an instruction information receiving section for receiving instruction information, which is generated by a terminal apparatus based on the sent information and is related to an output condition for the output section to output the information, from the terminal apparatus; and a recording section for recording the received instruction information in a recording medium so that the information can be output by the output section based on a content of the instruction information.  
      According to the present invention, an information editing apparatus for editing and processing information, which is recorded in a recording medium capable of recording various types of information and is output by an output section, includes: a terminal information receiving section for receiving the information from a processing apparatus for reading and processing the information so that the information can be output by the output section; a terminal output section for outputting the received information; an instruction information generating section for generating instruction information related to an output condition for the output section to output the information; and a terminal information sending section for sending the generated instruction information to the processing apparatus.  
      According to the present invention, an information processing system includes: the above-described information processing apparatus; and the above-described information editing apparatus.  
      According to the present invention, a playback apparatus includes: the above-described information processing apparatus; and an output section for outputting the information received by the information processing apparatus.  
      According to the present invention, a playback system includes: the above-described information processing system; and the above-described output section for outputting the information processed by the information processing system based on the instruction information.  
      According to the present invention, an information processing method for editing and processing information, which is recorded in a recording medium capable of recording various types of information and is output by an output section, includes the steps of: receiving the information so that the information is read by a terminal apparatus including a terminal output section capable of outputting the information; receiving instruction information, which is generated for the information read by the terminal apparatus based on input operation and is related to a condition for the output section to output the information, from the terminal apparatus; and recording the instruction information in the recording medium in a manner such that the output section outputs the information based on a content of the received instruction information.  
      According to the present invention, an information editing method for editing and processing information, which is recorded in a recording medium capable of recording various types of information and is output by an output section, includes the steps of: receiving the information from a processing apparatus for reading and processing the information so that the information can be output by the output section; generating instruction information, which is related to information to be output by the output section based on input operation for the received information; and receiving the instruction information by the processing apparatus in a condition where the output section outputs the information based on a content of the generated instruction information and outputting the instruction information so as to be recordable in the recording medium.  
      According to the present invention, an information processing program for having a computing section to execute the above-described information processing method.  
      According to the present invention, an information processing program for having a computing section to execute the above-described information editing method.  
      According to the present invention, a recording medium storing the above-described information processing program in a manner readable by a computing section. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a recording/playback system according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an information processing apparatus in the embodiment;  
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an information editing apparatus in the embodiment;  
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the information processing apparatus in the embodiment;  
       FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  are schematic diagrams each conceptually showing content information in time-line in the embodiment:  FIG. 5A  is a diagram schematically showing content information recorded in a recording medium before editing, and  FIG. 5B  is a diagram schematically showing the content information after the editing;  
       FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  are schematic diagrams each conceptually showing script information in the embodiment:  FIG. 6A  is a diagram conceptually showing script information recorded in the recording medium, and  FIG. 6B  is a diagram conceptually showing the script information after editing; and  
       FIG. 7  is a diagram conceptually showing script information generated by the information editing apparatus of the embodiment.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     Configuration of Recording/Playback System  
      The configuration of one embodiment in a recording/playback system according to the present invention will be described with reference to attached drawings. In this embodiment, the configuration for editing and processing information recorded in a DVD-R (Digital Versatile Disc-Recordable) or the like as a recording medium will be described. However, the recording medium applicable to the present invention is not limited to the above, but any recording medium is applicable thereto.  FIG. 1  is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a recording/playback system.  FIG. 2  is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an information processing apparatus.  FIG. 3  is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an information editing apparatus.  
     Schematic Configuration of Recording/Playback System  
      Referring to  FIG. 1 , reference numeral  100  denotes a recording/playback system (playback system).  
      The recording/playback system  100  records, edits and reproduces, for example, content information including information as video data, image data and audio data contained in TV broadcasts or recorded in various recorders. The recording/playback system  100  is provided with a playback apparatus  200  and an information editing apparatus  300 . The playback apparatus  200  is also provided with a display apparatus  210 , a speaker apparatus  220  and an information processing apparatus  400 .  
      The display apparatus  210  of the playback apparatus  200  is connected to the information processing apparatus  400 . The display apparatus  210  receives and appropriately processes content information such as video data and image data, which are the information to be output from the information processing apparatus  400 , and then outputs them, i.e., displays them on a screen. Also, the display apparatus  210  is capable of displaying TV image data received by a not-shown TV receiver on the screen. The display apparatus  210  may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube), an FED (Field Emission Display) or an electrophoretic display panel. As for the configuration that the display apparatus  210  receives the content information from the information processing apparatus  400 , any method is applicable, such as that for receiving via a cable or through a radio medium.  
      The speaker apparatus  220  of the playback apparatus  200  is provided with, for example, an audio output and an amplifier such as a speaker (not shown). The speaker apparatus  220  is connected to the information processing apparatus  400 . The speaker apparatus  220  appropriately amplifies content information such as music data and audio data, which are the information to be output from the information processing apparatus  400 , using the amplifier to output them as sounds, i.e., to produce sounds from the audio output. The speaker apparatus  220  is capable of outputting TV audio data received by, for example, a TV receiver as sounds. As for the configuration that the speaker apparatus  220  receives the content information from the information processing apparatus  400 , any method is applicable, such as that for receiving via a cable or through a radio medium.  
      The information processing apparatus  400  of the playback apparatus  200  carries out processing for recording, editing and reproducing various types of information including, for example, content information such as video data, image data and audio data contained in TV broadcasts or recorded in various types of external recorders (not shown), and script information (command information) as management information (VMGI: Video Manager Information), which is the information for reproducing the content information. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the information processing apparatus  400  is provided with an input section  410 , a drive mechanism section  420 , a HD (Hard Disk) section  430 , an external medium section  440  as a medium recording section, an information processing section  450  as various types of programs used on an OS (Operating System) controlling the entire operation of the information processing apparatus  400 , and a control section  460 .  
      The input section  410  has various operation buttons and operation knobs (not shown) used for input operation. The input operation using the operation buttons and operation knobs includes the setting of, for example, setting items relevant to the operations of the information processing apparatus  400 . When the setting items are input, the input section  410  outputs predetermined signals to the control section  460  to set the setting items. As for the configuration of the input section  410 , without limiting to those with the operation buttons or operation knobs for input operation, any of the following configurations that can set and input various setting items may be employed. For example, input operation using a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel provided on a display apparatus  210  or on a not-shown display apparatus of the information processing apparatus  400 , and input operation using sounds are applicable.  
      Under the control of the control section  460 , the drive mechanism section  420  records various types of information such as content information and script information in a removably loaded recording medium, and reads out the recorded information. Herein, the recording medium may be, without limitation, a DVD-R (Digital Versatile Disc-Recordable), a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disc-ReWritable) or a DVD-RAM (Digital Versatile Disc-Random Access Memory). The drive mechanism section  420  is provided with, for example, a pickup (not shown), a rotary drive section and a feed motor (not shown). The pickup reads out data recorded on an information recording surface of the recording medium and records data thereon using the light or the like. In place of the light, magnetism or the like may be employed. The rotary drive section is provided with, for example, a turntable for supporting the recording medium and a spindle motor for driving the recording medium to rotate at a constant linear or constant angular velocity. The feed motor drives the pickup to move parallel to the information recording surface in the radius direction.  
      Under the control of the control section  460 , the HD section  430  records various types of information readably. The HD section  430  is provided with a HD  431  and a HDD (Hard Disk Drive)  432 . The HD  431  records various types of information readably. Under the control of the control section  460 , the HDD  432  records information output from the control section  460  into the HD  431 , and reads out information from the HD  431  to output it to the control section  460 .  
      Under the control of the control section  460 , the external medium section  440  records various types of information readably in a not-shown external medium (external recording medium), which is, for example, a silicon device such as memory card detachably mounted thereon. The external medium section  440  is provided with a medium connector  441  and a medium driver  442 . The external medium is detachably connected to the medium connector  441 . The medium driver  442  records information output from the control section  460  in the external medium connected to the medium connector  441 , and reads out the information recorded in the external medium to output it to the control section  460 . The external medium section  440  is so configured to record at least content information and reads out at least script information.  
      Under the control of the control section  460 , the information processing section  450  receives content information from, for example, an input terminal  470  provided to the information processing apparatus  400  and facing to the outside, and processes the information. Further, the information processing section  450  processes the information so as to be output by the display apparatus  210  or the speaker apparatus  220  via, for example, an output terminal  480  provided to the information processing apparatus  400  and facing to the outside. As for the input and output of the information in the information processing section  450 , the following arrangement may be applicable. That is, in place of the input terminal  470  and output terminal  480 , for example, the information may be input and processed or output to the display apparatus  210  or the speaker apparatus  220  via a radio medium using a communication tool.  
      Based on the setting items set through the input operation using the input section  410 , the control section  460  receives various types of information timely from the input terminal  470  provided to the information processing apparatus  400  and facing the outside, the drive mechanism section  420 , the HD section  430 , or the external medium section  440 . The control section  460  records the information appropriately in a recording medium, the HD  431 , an external medium or the like. Also, the control section  460  appropriately processes the information received by controlling the information processing section  450 , and outputs, i.e., reproduces the information by the display apparatus  210  and/or the speaker apparatus  220 . The control section  460  is provided with, for example, an information receiving section  461 , an instruction information receiving section  462 , a recording section  463  and the like as various types of programs used on the OS (Operating System) controlling the entire operation of the information processing apparatus  400 .  
      Based on the setting items input through the input section  410 , the information receiving section  461  receives, for example, content information recorded in a recording medium from the drive mechanism section  420 . The information receiving section  461  outputs the received information appropriately to the external medium section  440 . In addition to the content information, the information receiving section  461  is capable of acquiring various types of information. Further, the information receiving section  461  may be configured to acquire various types of information not only from the drive mechanism section  420  but also, for example, directly from the input terminal  470 , or from the HD section  430  or the external medium section  440 . The received information is appropriately output to the drive mechanism section  420 , the HD section  430  or the external medium section  440 , or output thereto after being processed. In place of such constitution that the information is received from the outside thorough the input terminal  470 , the information receiving section  461  may be so arranged that, for example, the information is received via a radio medium using a communication tool.  
      Based on the setting items set through the input operation using the input section  410 , the instruction information receiving section  462  controls the external medium section  440  to receive the recorded script information from an external medium connected to the medium connector  441  using the medium driver  442 . The received script information is output timely to the recording section  463 .  
      Based on the setting items set through the input operation using the input section  410 , the recording section  463  receives the script information output from the instruction information receiving section  462 , and appropriately outputs to the drive mechanism section  420  or the HD section  430  to record the information. That is, the recording section  463  controls the drive mechanism section  420  or the HD section  430  to store the script information in a predetermined recording medium mounted on the drive mechanism section  420  or the HD  431  of the HD section  430 .  
      The information editing apparatus  300  edits the content information recorded in a recording medium or the HD  431  by the information processing apparatus  400 . That is, the information editing apparatus  300  sets a condition for the content information to be reproduced by the display apparatus  210  or speaker apparatus  220 , and processes the content information recorded in the recording medium so as to be reproduced in the set condition. The information editing apparatus  300  may be, for example, a cellular phone, a PHS (Personal Handyphone System), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a portable type personal computer such as a so-called notebook computer and a remote controller. The information editing apparatus  300  is provided with a terminal input section  310 , a terminal display apparatus  320 , a terminal speaker apparatus  330 , a terminal external medium section  340  and a terminal control section  350 .  
      Like the input section  410  in the information processing apparatus  400 , the terminal input section  310  has various operation buttons and knobs (not shown) used for input operation. The input operation using the operation buttons and knobs includes, in addition to the setting of the setting items in the information editing apparatus  300 , the condition for reproducing the content information recorded in the recording medium by the information editing apparatus  300 , i.e., script information having output area information for specifying data area to be reproduced. With input operation, the terminal input section  310  appropriately outputs predetermined signals to the terminal control section  350  to set the setting items, the script information and the like. In the terminal input section  310  also, like the input section  410 , various configuration such as input via a touch panel, voice or the like are applicable.  
      Under the control of the terminal control section  350 , the terminal display apparatus  320  receives content information such as video data and image data output from the terminal control section  350 , and appropriately processes the information to output, i.e., display it on the screen. Like the display apparatus  210 , various types of display apparatuses are applicable to the terminal display apparatus  320 .  
      Like the speaker apparatus  220 , the terminal speaker apparatus  330  is provided with an audio output and an amplifier. Under the control of the terminal control section  350 , the terminal speaker apparatus  330  appropriately amplifies the content information such as audio data and music data output from the terminal control section  350  to output them as sounds.  
      Like the external medium section  440  in the information processing apparatus  400 , under the control of the terminal control section  350 , the terminal external medium section  340  records various types of information such as content information and script information readably in a not-shown external medium (external recording medium) detachably mounted thereon. The terminal external medium section  340  records various types of information output from a terminal medium connector  341 , to which the external medium is detachably connected, and the terminal control section  350  in the external medium connected to the terminal medium connector  341 , and reads out the information recorded in the external medium to output it to the terminal control section  350 .  
      Based on the setting items input through the terminal input section  310 , the terminal control section  350  processes various types of information such as content information and script information so that the content information, which is recorded in the recording medium to be reproduced by the display apparatus  210  or the speaker apparatus  220  in the information processing apparatus  400  is reproduced in a predetermined condition. The terminal control section  350  is provided with, for example, a terminal information receiving section  351 , an instruction information generating section  352  and a terminal information sending section  353  as various types of programs used on the OS (Operating System) controlling the entire operation of the information editing apparatus  300 .  
      Based on the setting items input through the terminal input section  310 , the terminal information receiving section  351  controls the terminal external medium section  340  to receive the content information to be reproduced by the information processing apparatus  400  by the display apparatus  210  and/or the speaker apparatus  220  from the external medium connected to the terminal medium connector  341 . The terminal information receiving section  351  is capable of acquiring other various types of information without limiting to the content information. Other than the arrangement to acquire the content information recorded in the external medium, the terminal information receiving section  351  may have such configuration that, for example, the content information is acquired directly from the information processing apparatus  400  via a network or radio medium using a communication tool.  
      Based on the signals output from the terminal input section  310  through the predetermined input operation, the instruction information generating section  352  generates edited script information, which is a piece of script information including the above-described output area information for reproducing predetermined data area of the content information by editing. The edited script information is generated by the following input operation. For example, the terminal control section  350  controls the terminal display apparatus  320  to display a screen for editing the content information, and the user specifies the data area of the content information to be reproduced using the terminal input section  310  with reference to the screen. The instruction information generating section  352  outputs the generated edited script information to the terminal information sending section  353 .  
      The terminal information sending section  353  receives the edited script information output from the instruction information generating section  352 , and controls the terminal external medium section  340  to record the information in the external medium connected to the terminal medium connector  341 . Other than the arrangement in which the edited script information is recorded in the external medium, for example, it will be appropriate to have such arrangement that the edited script information is directly output and sent to the information processing apparatus  400  via radio medium using a communication tool.  
     Configuration of Information Processing Unit  
      Next, referring to  FIG. 4 , specific configuration of the information processing apparatus  400  will be described in detail.  FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the information processing apparatus.  
      As described above, the information processing apparatus  400  is provided with the input terminal  470  for receiving the content information and the like from the outside, and the output terminal  480 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the input terminal  470  is provided with a video input terminal  471  to which content information such as video data and image data are input, and an audio input terminal  472  to which content information such as audio data and music data are input. A TV receiver, a video recorder (not shown) or the like can be connected to these video input terminal  471  and the audio input terminal  472  so that content information such as TV image data and TV audio data are input therein. Likewise, the output terminal  480  is provided with a video output terminal  481  for outputting content information such as video data and image data, and an audio output terminal  482  for outputting content information such as audio data and music data. The display apparatus  210  is connected to the video output terminal  481  so that the display apparatus  210  appropriately processes the output content information to display it on the screen. The speaker apparatus  220  is connected to the audio output terminal  482  so that the speaker apparatus  220  appropriately processes the content information to out put it as sounds.  
      The information processing section  450  is connected to the input terminal  470  and the output terminal  480 . As described above, the information processing section  450  appropriately encodes and multiplexes the content information input from the input terminal  470 , and outputs the information to the drive mechanism section  420 , the HD section  430  or the external medium section  440  to record it therein. Also, the information processing section  450  appropriately decodes the information received from the drive mechanism section  420 , the HD section  430  or the external medium section  440  to output it via the output terminal.  
      To be more specific, a video A/D (Analog/Digital) converter  451 A is connected to the video input terminal  471  whereas an audio A/D converter  451 B is connected to the audio input terminal  472 . The video AID converter  451 A converts the content information input from the video input terminal  471  from analog signals to digital signals to output them. The audio AID converter  451 B converts the content information input from the audio input terminal  472  from analog signals to digital signals to output them.  
      A first video encoder  452 A and a second video encoder  452 B are connected to the video A/D converter  451 A. The first video encoder  452 A encodes the content information such as video data and image data converted into digital signals based on, for example, MPEG-1 (Moving Picture Expert Group-1) or MPEG-2, which is a standard for compression and decompression of digital moving picture and sound established by International Telecommunication Union (ITU-TS) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The second video encoder  452 B encodes the content information based on MPEG-4 in place of the MPEG-½ in the first video encoder  452 A. As for the configuration for encoding in the information processing section  450 , without limiting to these MPEGs, any format such as DivX (supported by DivXNetworks), which is one of the CODECs (Compression/Decompression) as a program for compressing and decompressing video and audio data, is applicable.  
      On the other hand, a first audio encoder  453 A and a second audio encoder  453 B are connected to the audio A/D converter  451 B. The first audio encoder  453 A encodes content information such as audio data and music data converted into digital signals based on, for example, AC- 3  (Audio Code number  3 ), which is a digital surround system. The second audio encoder  453 B encodes content information based on another standard.  
      A first multiplexer  454 A is connected to the first video encoder  452 A and the first audio encoder  453 A whereas a second multiplexer  454 B is connected to the second video encoder  452 B and the second audio encoder  453 B. The first multiplexer  454 A multiplexes the encoded content information such as video data and image data output from the first video encoder  452 A and the encoded content information such as audio data and music data output from the first audio encoder  453 A, into a set of signals as a single channel to output it. Likewise, the second multiplexer  454 B multiplexes the encoded video data and image data output from the second video encoder  452 B and the encoded audio data and music data output from the second audio encoder  453 B, into a set of signals as a single channel to output it.  
      A stream switcher  455 A is connected to the first multiplexer  454 A and the second multiplexer  454 B. Further, a system control section  455 B including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like is connected to the stream switcher  455 A. That is, the stream switcher  455 A and the system control section  455 B constitute the information receiving section  461 , the instruction information receiving section  462  and the recording section  463 . Based on the control signals from the system control section  455 B, the stream switcher  455 A outputs the multiplexed signals output from the first multiplexer  454 A and the second multiplexer  454 B to the drive mechanism section  420 , the HD section  430  or the external medium section  440  to record the content information in the recording medium, the HD  431  or the external medium. The control signals from the system control section  455 B are related to, for example, the setting items input through the input section  410 , and based on the signals stored in a memory  455 C connected to the system control section  455 B. Also, based on the control signals from the system control section  455 B, the stream switcher  455 A receives various types of information from the drive mechanism section  420 , the HD section  430  or the external medium section  440 .  
      A demultiplexer  456  is connected to the stream switcher  455 A. The demultiplexer  456  receives the content information output from the stream switcher  455 A, and divides the multiplexed content information into content information such as video data and image data and the content information such as audio data and music data to output them.  
      A video decoder  457 A and an audio decoder  457 B are connected to the demultiplexer  456 . The video decoder  457 A decodes the content information such as video data and image data output from the demultiplexer  456  based on, for example, MPEG system to output it. The audio decoder  457 B decodes the content information such as audio data and music data output from the demultiplexer  456  to output it.  
      A video D/A converter  458 A is connected to the video decoder  457 A whereas an audio D/A converter  458 B is connected to the audio decoder  457 B. The video D/A converter  458 A converts the content information such as decoded video data and image data output from the video decoder  457 A from digital signals into analog signals. The content information converted into analog signals is output via the video output terminal  481  connected with the video D/A converter  458 A. Likewise, the audio D/A converter  458 B converts the decoded content information such as audio data and music data output from the audio decoder  457 B from digital signals into analog signals. The content information converted into analog signals is output from the audio output terminal  482  connected with the audio D/A converter  458 B.  
      The video decoder  457 A is connected to the second video encoder  452 B so as to encode the decoded content information such as video data and image data by the second video encoder  452 B again. Likewise, the audio decoder  457 B is connected to the second audio encoder  453 B so as to encode the decoded content information such as audio data and music data by the second audio encoder  453 B again.  
     Operation of Recording/Playback System  
      Next, the operation in the above-described recording/playback system  100  will be described with reference to attached drawings. In this embodiment, an operation, in which content information is edited into such condition that the content information is reproduced with a part the area being deleted will be described. However, any editing operation is possible; i.e., editing into a condition that the content information is deleted in a plurality of areas, or into a condition that part of areas of the content information is reproduced at a double speed, or the like.  FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  are schematic diagrams each conceptually showing content information in time-line.  FIG. 5A  is a diagram schematically showing content information recorded in a recording medium before editing, while  FIG. 5B  is a diagram schematically showing the content information after editing.  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  are schematic diagrams each conceptually showing script information.  FIG. 6A  is a diagram conceptually showing script information recorded in a recording medium, while  FIG. 6B  is a diagram conceptually showing the script information after editing.  FIG. 7  is a diagram conceptually showing script information generated by the information editing apparatus.  
     Recording of Content Information  
      First, the recording operation for recording the content information will be described. In this embodiment, an operation for recording a TV broadcast will be described as an example of recording information. However, the recording operation is not limited to the above. For example, the recording operation is applicable to the recording of various types of information such as radio broadcast, satellite broadcast, and further video data, image data and audio data or music data recorded in an external apparatus.  
      For recording the content information, a user appropriately supplies power to the information processing apparatus  400  to start it up. The user then inputs an instruction to record, for example, a TV broadcast using the input section  410 . Based on the input operation, the control section  460  of the information processing apparatus  400  has the information processing section  450  to appropriately process the content information input from the input terminal  470 . The recording section  463  then records the content information based on the information relevant to the recording destination, which is a setting item set by the input operation.  
      That is, the content information such as video data and image data input from the video input terminal  471  is converted into digital signals by the video A/D converter  451 A while the content information such as audio data and music data input from the audio input terminal  472  is converted into digital signals by the audio AID converter  451 B. The system control section  455 B then encodes the content information converted into digital signals based on a signal of a recording destination input together with a signal of recording instruction via the input section  410 . That is, if the recording destination is at least either one of the HD  431  and the recording medium, the first video encoder  452 A encodes the content information such as video data and image data converted into digital signals based on, for example, MPEG-½ while the first audio encoder  453 A encodes the content information such as audio data and music data converted into digital signals based on, for example, AC- 3 . Also, if the recording destination is the external medium, the second video encoder  452 B encodes the content information such as video data and image data converted into digital signals based on, for example, MPEG-4 while the second audio encoder  453 B encodes the content information such as audio data and music data converted into digital signals.  
      The content information such as video data and image data encoded by the first video encoder  452 A and the content information such as audio data and music data encoded by the first audio encoder  453 A are multiplexed into a set of signals of the content information as a single channel by the first multiplexer  454 A. Also, the content information such as video data and image data encoded by the second video encoder  452 B and the content information such as audio data and music data encoded by the second audio encoder  453 B are multiplexed into a set of signals of the content information as a single channel by the second multiplexer  454 B. After that, based on the signal of the recording destination input together with the signal of recording instruction via the input section  410 , the system control section  455 B controls the stream switcher  455 A to output the content information multiplexed by the first multiplexer  454 A and the script information for reproducing the content information to the drive mechanism section  420  or the HD section  430 , or to output the content information multiplexed by the second multiplexer  454 B and the script information of the content information to the external medium section  440 . The output content information as shown in  FIG. 5A  and the script information as shown in  FIG. 6A  are recorded appropriately in the recording medium loaded in the drive mechanism section  420 , the HD  431  of the HD section  430  or the external medium mounted on the external medium section  440 .  
     Editing of Content Information  
      Next, the editing operation for editing the content information will be described with reference to attached drawings. For editing the content information, the user inputs an instruction to edit predetermined content information using the input section  410 . Based on the input operation, the control section  460  of the information processing apparatus  400  controls the external medium section  440  to determine whether or not the content information to be edited is recorded in the mounted external medium. When it is determined that the content information to be edited is recorded in the external medium, for example, the control section  460  has the not-shown display apparatus of the information processing apparatus  400  to display the fact to notify it to the user. Based on the notification, the user removes the external medium from the information processing apparatus  400  and mounts it on the information editing apparatus  300 .  
      On the other hand, when the control section  460  determines that the content information to be edited is not recorded in the external medium, the user selects content information recorded in the HD  431  or the recording medium, and appropriately inputs an instruction to record the information in the external medium using the input section  410 . Based on the input operation, the system control section  455 B controls the drive mechanism section  420  or HD section  430  via the information receiving section  461  to receive the content information to be edited from the recording medium or the HD  431  and has the recording section  463  to record the information in the external medium.  
      Specifically, the system control section  455 B controls the stream switcher  455 A to receive content information from the recording medium or the HD  431 . This content information divides the received content information, which is multiplexed by the demultiplexer  456 , into content information such as video data and image data and content information such as audio data and music data. Further, the divided content information such as video data and image data is decoded based on, for example, MPEG system by the video decoder  457 A while the content information such as audio data and music data is decoded by the audio decoder  457 B. The system control section  455 B then has the second video encoder  452 B to encode the decoded content information such as video data and image data based on, for example, MPEG- 4  while having the second audio encoder  453 B to encode the decoded content information such as audio data and music data. After that, as described above, the content information such as video data and image data encoded by the second video encoder  452 B and the content information such as audio data and music data encoded by the second audio encoder  453 B are multiplexed into a set of signals of the content information as a single channel by the second multiplexer  454 B. The system control section  455 B then controls the stream switcher  455 A to output the content information multiplexed by the second multiplexer  454 B to the external medium section  440  to record the content information to be edited in the external medium. Then, as described above, the external medium in which the content information to be edited is recorded is removed from the information processing apparatus  400  by the user and mounted on the information editing apparatus  300 .  
      On the other hand, in the information editing apparatus  300 , based on the instruction to edit the content information input by the user using the terminal input section  310 , the terminal information receiving section  351  of the terminal control section  350  controls the terminal external medium section  340  to receive the content information to be edited from the mounted external medium. Based on predetermined input operation using the terminal input section  310 , the terminal control section  350  appropriately controls at least either one of the terminal display apparatus  320  and the terminal speaker apparatus  330  to output the received content information as images on the screen or sounds, i.e., reproduce the information. After recognizing the reproduced state, the user appropriately set the data area of the content information to be reproduced as shown in  FIG. 5B  through the input operation using the terminal input section  310 . For example, a start point (C in  FIG. 5B ) and an end point (D in  FIG. 5B ) in time-line in the data area to be deleted are input. Based on the input operation, the instruction information generating section  352  of the terminal control section  350  generates edited script information as shown in  FIG. 7  corresponding to the data area of the content information to be reproduced. In  FIG. 7 , “DELL C-D” represents the output area information in the script information.  
      The terminal information sending section  353  of the terminal control section  350  appropriately controls the terminal external medium section  340  to record the edited script information generated by the instruction information generating section  352  in the external medium. When recognizing the recording by guidance displayed on, for example, the terminal display apparatus  320 , the user removes the external medium and mount it on the information processing apparatus  400  and inputs an instruction to set the edited content through the input operation using the input section  410 . Based on the input operation, the control section  460  of the information processing apparatus  400  has the instruction information receiving section  462  to control the external medium section  440  to receive the edited script information recorded in the external medium. The recording section  463  of the control section  460  appropriately controls the drive mechanism section  420  or HD section  430  to record the edited script information received by the instruction information receiving section  462  in, for example, the recording medium or HD  431  as shown in  FIG. 6B . As for this recording, the information is recorded in; for example, in a VMGI in the recording medium. The information may be recorded in any manner; i.e., the edited script information may be newly recorded after deleting existing script information, or may be recorded independently from the script information. “Cell#1 A-C”, “Cell#1 A-C”, “Cell#1”, “Cell#2” in  FIG. 6B  represent the output area information in the script information.  
     Reproduction of Content Information  
      Next, the reproducing operation for reproducing the recorded content information will be described. For reproducing the content information, the user inputs an instruction to reproduce predetermined content information using the input section  410 . Based on the input operation, the control section  460  of the information processing apparatus  400  appropriately controls the drive mechanism section  420 , the HD section  430  or the external medium section  440  to search the recording medium, the HD  431  or the external medium for the content information to be reproduced as well as the script information for reproducing the content information as shown in  FIG. 6A  or the edited script information as shown in  FIG. 6B . When the content information to be reproduced as well as the script information or the edited script information are received, the control section  460  has the information processing section  450  to carry out the processing for reproduction and reproduce the information based on the predetermined input operation using the input section  410 .  
      Specifically, based on the information relevant to the information to be reproduced stored in the memory, the system control section  455 B has the stream switcher  455 A to search the drive mechanism section  420 , the HD section  430  or the external medium section  440  for the content information to receive it, as well as search for the script information and the edited script information of the content information to receive them. In this search, when not only the script information but also the edited script information are recorded for the content information to be reproduced, the system control section  455 B controls, for example, the not-shown display apparatus of the information processing apparatus  400  to display a request of setting whether to reproduce based on the script information or the edited script information. Either the script information or the edited script information selected by the user through the input operation using the input section  410  is stored in the memory  455 C.  
      Based on the script information or the edited script information stored in the memory, the received content information is reproduced. That is, the demultiplexer  456  divides the received multiplexed content information into content information such as video data and image data and content information such as audio data and music data. The divided content information such as video data and image data is decoded based on, for example, MPEG system by the video decoder  457 A while the content information such as audio data and music data is decoded by the audio decoder  457 B. After that, the decoded content information such as video data and image data is converted from digital signals into the analog signals by the video D/A converter  458 A while the decoded content information such as audio data and music data is converted from digital signals into the analog signals by the audio D/A converter  458 B. The content information such as video data and image data converted into analog signals is output from the video output terminal  481  while the content information such as audio data and music data converted into analog signals is output from the audio output terminal  482 . With the output of the content information, the display apparatus  210  connected to the video output terminal  481  displays the content information such as video data and image data on the screen in accordance with the script information or the edited script information while the speaker apparatus  220  connected to the audio output terminal  482  outputs the content information such as audio data and music data as sounds in accordance with the script information or the edited script information. The recorded content information is thus reproduced as originally recorded or as edited.  
     Advantages of Recording/Playback System  
      As described above, in this embodiment, the content information to be reproduced by the display apparatus  210  and the speaker apparatus  220  is received by the information receiving section  461 , and recorded in an external medium by the recording section  463 . When the user edits the information using the information editing apparatus  300 , the external medium with the content information recorded therein is mounted on the information editing apparatus  300  so that the terminal information receiving section  351  of the information editing apparatus  300  receives the content information from the information processing apparatus  400 . After setting the data area, which is the condition for reproducing the content information, through the input operation using the terminal input section  310 , the edited script information is generated by the instruction information generating section  352  and recorded in the external medium. The external medium is mounted on the information processing apparatus  400  again so that the edited script information is received by the instruction information receiving section  462 . The content information is processed by the information processing section  450  so as to be reproduced based on the received edited script information. Owing to this, for example, a user can edit information using the information editing apparatus  300  carried by the user in spare time, and the content can be transferred to the information processing apparatus  400 . Accordingly, different from conventional manner, it is not necessary to edit the content information in the information processing apparatus  400  while reproducing the content information using the display apparatus  210  and the speaker apparatus  220 . Therefore, the content information can be efficiently and easily edited.  
      Also, an external medium is used to send the content information from the information processing apparatus  400  for editing it, and to send the edited script information from the information editing apparatus  300  to the information processing apparatus  400 . Owing to this, the content information and the edited script information can be transferred with simple configuration. Therefore, cellular phones and the like using existing external media can be effectively employed. Thus effective editing can be easily obtained without spending communication cost.  
      The content information recorded in a recording medium is read out and sent to the information editing apparatus  300  to be received and edited therein. The edited script information is recorded in the recording medium again. Owing to this, even when another information processing apparatus  400  reproduces the information in the recording medium, the information can be reproduced as it is edited. Further, it is not necessary to have a memory or the HD  431  for storing the edited script information separately, and hence the configuration can be easily simplified.  
      The edited script information having the output area information for setting the area of the content information of stream data such as video data and audio data to be reproduced is generated and used for the editing. Accordingly, the information can be edited with simple data processing, and thus simplification of the configuration and improvement of the processing efficiency can be easily achieved.  
      The information editing apparatus  300  is a portable apparatus. Accordingly, user can edit information at any time, and thus convenient and easy editing can be achieved. Further, in addition to the terminal display apparatus  320  for displaying the content information and the terminal speaker apparatus  330  for outputting sounds, the information editing apparatus  300  is provided with the terminal input section  310  for setting and generating the edited script information. Owing to this, the content information can be edited while appropriately reproduced. Particularly, cellular phones having a display apparatus and an input apparatus can be used, and therefor easily expanding the applicability of the present invention.  
      A system configuration having the information processing apparatus  400  and the information editing apparatus  300  is employed. Accordingly, as described above, the information is edited by the information editing apparatus  300 , and the edited information is appropriately transferred to the information processing apparatus  400 . This configuration can easily realize the effective editing that allows each user to edit the information at any time the user desires. Therefore, the configuration for editing can be easily built and the use thereof can be easily expanded.  
      Since the recording/playback system is provided with the display apparatus  210  and the speaker apparatus  220 , not only the editing of the content information but also the edited information can be reproduced. For example, the information processing apparatus  400  may be integrally constructed with the display apparatus  210  and the speaker apparatus  220 . Accordingly, by arranging the information processing apparatus  400  to be portable, the content information can be reproduced after editing the information at users&#39; convenience.  
     Modification of Embodiment  
      The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but includes the following modifications within a range that the object of the present invention can be achieved.  
      As the information to be edited and processed, for example, content information including video data and audio data has been described. However, without limiting thereto, information including video data or image data only, or, audio data or music data only is applicable. Further, any information including another program information, text data or control signals is applicable. As for the recording medium, any medium capable of recording information is applicable, which may be optical disc such as DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc-Read Only Memory), CD-DA (Compact Disk-Digital Audio), CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), DVD-Audio, DVD-RAM (Digital Versatile Disc-Random Access Memory), DVD-R (Digital Versatile Disc-Recordable), DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disc-ReWritable), magneto-optical (MO) disc, magnetic disk such as hard disk or flexible disk, magnetic tape, memory card, and IC (Integrated Circuit) card etc.  
      The above-described information processing apparatus  400  has the information processing section  450  for processing the content information so as to be reproduced. However, another device may be used for reproduction operation, and the content information may be processed so as to be only edited by the information editing apparatus  300 . That is, for example, the information to be edited is received and transmitted to the information editing apparatus  300 ; the edited script information after the editing is received; and based on the edited script information, the information is appropriately output. Further, the configuration capable of recording has been described. However, another configuration may be provided to carry out the recording separately.  
      In the above description, the external medium is used for transmitting the content information from the information processing apparatus  400  to the information editing apparatus  300  for the editing, as well as transmitting the edited script information after the editing from the information editing apparatus  300  to the information processing apparatus  400 . However, for example, the information may be transmitted and received via a radio medium using a communication tool as previously mentioned. With this configuration, a configuration for using the external medium or mounting and dismounting operation of the external medium is not required. Accordingly, simplification of the configuration can be achieved and the editing can be carried out easily and effectively. The configuration of the information processing apparatus  400  equipped with both of the drive mechanism section  420  and the HD section  430  is described. However, it may be employed such configuration that only either one them is provided; such configuration that a plurality of the drive mechanism sections  420  and the HD sections  430  are provided; or such configuration that a plurality of the external medium sections  440  are provided for transferring the management information of the external medium to an external medium which can be mounted on the information editing apparatus  300  to be edited therein.  
      Further, as the content information to be edited, the content information recorded in a recording medium is edited in the above description. However, the content information recorded in another recording medium such as the HD  431  also may be received by editing apparatus  300  via an external medium or communication, and may be edited therein. And as for the editing operation, such function for editing in the information processing apparatus  400  may be added.  
      Although the information editing apparatus  300  is the portable type in the above embodiment, it is not limited to the portable type. For example, it may be arranged so that a plurality of information editing apparatuses  300  are connected to the information processing apparatus  400  in a network configuration so as to transmit and receive the information therebetween, and the information is appropriately edited in each of the information editing apparatuses  300 ; and the edited content is controlled integrally by the information processing apparatus  400  to output the information therefrom. With such configuration, compared to the case where the information is edited in the information processing apparatus  400 , the information can be edited effectively and easily. As for the network through which the information is transferred between the information processing apparatus  400  and the information editing apparatus  300 , for example, the following medium is available; i.e., Internet based on a general protocol such as TCP/IP, intranet, LAN (Local Area Network), a network such as communication line network or broadcast network in which a plurality of base stations capable of transmitting and receiving the information via a radio medium form a network, and further, a radio medium itself that serves as the medium for directly transmitting and receiving the information. However, the network is not limited to the above, but any configuration capable of transmitting and receiving the information may be employed. Further, as for the radio medium, any medium such as electric waves, light, acoustic waves, electromagnetic waves are applicable.  
     Advantages of Embodiment  
      As described above, in this embodiment, the content information to be reproduced on the display apparatus  210  and/or the speaker apparatus  220  is received by the information receiving section  461  and recorded in an external medium by the recording section  463 . When editing the information using the information editing apparatus  300 , the user mounts the external medium recorded with content information on the information editing apparatus  300 , and the content information is received from the information processing apparatus  400  by the information editing apparatus  300  via terminal information receiving section  351 . After setting data area, which is the condition when the content information is reproduced, through the input operation using the information editing apparatus  300 , the edited script information is generated so as to be recorded in the external medium. And then, the external medium is mounted on the information processing apparatus  400  again. The edited script information is received by the instruction information receiving section  462 , and the content information is recorded so as to be reproduced based on the received edited script information. With this arrangement, for example, using the mobile information editing apparatus  300 , the editing processing can be carried out in a spare time and the content is transferred to the information processing apparatus  400 . Different from conventional manner, it is not necessary to carry out the editing while reproducing the content information on the information processing apparatus  400  using the display apparatus  210  and/or speaker apparatus  220 . Accordingly, the editing of the content information can be carried out effectively and easily.  
      Also, in this embodiment, the content information to be reproduced on the information processing apparatus  400  using the display apparatus  210  and/or speaker apparatus  220  is received by the terminal information receiving section  351 , and reproduced on the terminal display apparatus  320  and the terminal speaker apparatus  330 , and the edited script information having output area information related to the predetermined data area, which is the condition when the information is reproduced by the instruction information generating section  352  based on the input operation using the terminal input section  310 , is generated. The information is recorded in the external medium by the terminal information sending section  353 , and the edited script information is transmitted to the information processing apparatus  400  via the external medium. With this arrangement, for example, using the mobile information editing apparatus  300 , the editing processing can be carried out in a spare time and the content is transferred to the information processing apparatus  400 . Different from conventional manner, it is not necessary to carry out the editing processing while reproducing the content information on the information processing apparatus  400  using the display apparatus  210  and/or speaker apparatus  220 . Accordingly, the editing processing of the content information can be carried out effectively and easily.  
      The priority application Number JP 2003-388488 upon which this patent application is based is hereby incorporated by reference.