Patent Application
20060193606
The present invention relates to the presentation of multimedia content, and more particularly to the presentation of locally stored media content combined with remote interactively-obtained network media content.
In marketing, many things have been long recognized as aiding success, such as increasing customer satisfaction through such devices as providing personalized service, fast service, access to related or updated information, etc. Traditional marketing has made use such things as notice of promotional offers for related products such as providing coupons, etc. Additionally, some studies have shown that simple repeated brand exposure, such as by advertisement, increases recognition and sales.
One of the largest marketing industries today is the entertainment industry and related industries. To date, digital versatile disks (DVDs) are poised to encompass consumer sales of home entertainment, business and home computer industry, and business information market with a single digital format, eventually replacing audio CDs, videotapes, laserdiscs, CD-ROMs, and video game cartridges. To this end, DVD has widespread support from all major electronics companies, all major computer hardware companies, and all major movie and music studios.
Currently, the fastest growing marketing and informational access avenue is the Internet. The share of households with Internet access in the U.S. soared by 58% in two years, rising from 26.2% in December 1998 to 41.5% in August 2000 (Source: Falling Through the Net: Toward Digital Inclusion@ by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, October 2000).
Some initial efforts have been made to integrate the success of optical disks, such as the DVD, with the speed and accessibility of the Internet. Programs such as music players currently are able to access the internet to obtain artist information, order music, etc. for inserted disks. However, in the DVD-video arena, little has been done to utilize the vast power for up-to-date, new, and promotional information accessibility to further the aims of improving marketability and customer satisfaction.
Accordingly, it is evident that improvements are possible in the way that entertainment, computing, and academic disks have been supported.
The present invention advantageously addresses the needs mentioned previously as well as other needs by providing an application programming interface that facilitates the access and use of related or updated web content to provide augmented or improved content with playback of DVD content.
In one embodiment, the invention can be characterized as an integrated system for combining web content and disk content comprising: a display; a computing device operably coupled to a removable media, a network and the display, the computing device at least once accessing data on the network, the computing device comprising: a storage device, a browser having a presentation engine displaying content on the display, an application programming interface residing in the storage device, a decoder at least occasionally processing content received from the removable media and producing media content substantially suitable for display on the display, and a navigator coupled to the decoder and the application programming interface, the navigator facilitating user or network-originated control of the playback of the removable media, the computing device receiving network content from the network and combining the network content with the media content, the presentation engine displaying the combined network content and media content on the display.
In another embodiment, the invention can be characterized as a method comprising: a) receiving a removable media; b) checking if said removable media supports media source integration; c) checking if said removable media source is a DVD responsive to said removable media supporting source integration; d) checking whether said device is in a movie mode or a system mode responsive to said removable media being a DVD; e) launching standard playback and thereafter returning to said step (a) responsive to said device being in said movie mode; f) checking if said device has a default player mode of source integration when said device is in said system mode; g) launching standard playback and thereafter returning to said step (a) responsive to said device not having a default player mode of source integration; h) checking if said removable media contains a device-specific executable program when said device having a default player mode of source integration; i) executing said device-specific executable program when said device has said device-specific executable program and thereafter returning to said step (a); j) checking whether said device has a connection to a remote media source; k) launching a default file from said removable media when said device does not have a remote media source connection and thereafter returning to said step (a); l) checking whether said remote media source has content relevant to said removable media; m) displaying said relevant content when said relevant content exists and thereafter returning to said step (a); n) otherwise launching a default file from said removable media and thereafter returning to said step (a); o) returning to said step (f).
The following non-patent documents are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety: InterActual API Design Guidelines for Consumer Electronics Manufacturers; InterActual Application programming interface (API) Specification (also called InterActual API Specification)
An application programming interface (API) of the present embodiment is based on a scripting model, leveraging, e.g., industry standard HTML and JavaScript standards for integrating locally stored media content and remote interactively-obtained network media content, e.g., video content on a web page. The application programming interface (API) enables embedding, e.g., video content in web pages and can display the video in full screen or sub window format. Commands can be executed to control the playback, search, and overall navigation through the embedded content.
Additionally, the application programming interface can be queried and/or set by the use of properties. Effects may be applied to playback. Video sequences have an associated time element during playback, and events are triggered to provide notification of various playback conditions, such as time changes, title changes, and user operation (UOP) changes. Events can be used for use in scripting and synchronizing video with HTML or read only memory (ROM)-based content.
A goal of the application programming interface (API) is to enable content developers to create products that seamlessly combine, e.g., the Internet with content from other digital versatile disk-read only memory (DVD-ROM), digital versatile disk-audio (DVD-Audio), and compact disc-audio (CD-Audio). Hereinafter, by the use of DVD-Video, it is to be understood that all three of these disk/disc media are included. The combination of the Internet with DVD-Video creates a richer, more interactive, and personalized entertainment experience for users.
Further, the application programming interface (API) provides a common programming interface allowing playback of this combined content on multiple playback platforms simultaneously. While the application programming interface (API) allows customized content and functions tailored for specific platforms, the primary benefit of the application programming interface (API) is that content developers can create content once for multi-platform playback, without the need of becoming an expert programmer on specific platforms, such as Windows, Macintosh, and other platforms. The document InterActual Usage Guide for Developers (hereby incorporated by reference) describes this in more detail for DVD content developers.
Internet connectivity is not a requirement for the use of the application programming interface (API). Stand-alone systems with web browser functionality are all that is required. In addition, compact disc-digital audio (CD-DA) can also be enhanced by use of the application programming interface (API). This is also described in the document InterActual Usage Guide for Developers (hereby incorporated by reference).
Personal video recorders (PVRs), such as the TiVo, RePlay, and digital versatile disk-recordable (DVD-R) devices, enable the ability to purchase video or audio products by downloading them from a satellite or other high-bandwidth system when implemented with the present invention. When so downloaded, the video or audio can be stored to a local disk system or burned onto a DVD-R.
The application programming interface (API) provides a basic set of guidelines for the production of internet-connected DVDs and for the playback of these enhanced DVDs on a range of computer, set-top platforms, and players. Based on the industry standard publishing format hypertext markup language (HTML) and JavaScript, the application programming interface (API) provides a way to easily combine DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, and CD-Audio with and within HTML pages, whereby HTML pages can control the media's playback. The application programming interface (API) provides a foundation for bringing content developers, consumer electronics manufacturers, browser manufacturers, and semiconductor manufacturers together to provide common development and playback platforms for enhanced DVD content.
Regarding
Shown are a display device (102), a local content source (104), and an offsite content source (106).
The display device (102) is coupled to the local content source (104) as shown by a bi-directional arrow. The display device (102) is coupled to the offsite content source (106) as shown by a bi-directional arrow.
In operation, the display device (102) displays video and/or hypertext markup language (HTML) documents to a user. In an alternative embodiment, the display device (102) can be audio only. Display device (102) can be any device capable of displaying an external video feed or playing an external audio feed such as, but not limited to, a computer, a set top box, gaming platforms, or a player. The display device (102) receives content for display from either the local content source (104) or the offsite content source (106). The local content source (104), in one embodiment, can be any device capable of playing any media disk including, but not limited to, digital versatile disks (DVDs), digital versatile disk read only memories (DVD-ROMs), compact discs (CDs), compact disc-digital audios (CD-DAs), optical digital versatile disks (optical DVDs), laser disks, DATAPLAY™, streaming media, PVM (Power to Communicate), etc. The offsite content source (106), in one embodiment, can be any device capable of supplying web content or HTML-encoded content such as, but not limited to, a network-connected server or any source on the Internet.
Shown are a local content source (104), an offsite content source (106), a computer (202), a microprocessor (204), and a memory (206).
The local content source (104) is coupled to the computer (202). The offsite content source (106) is coupled to the computer (202). The computer (202) includes the microprocessor (204) and the memory (206).
In operation, computer (202) is any computer able to play/display both video or audio provided by the local content source (104) and/or web or HTML content as provided by the offsite content source (106). Additionally, computer (202) can display both video and web/HTML content synchronously according to one embodiment of the present invention. Microprocessor (204) and memory (206) are used by computer (202) in executing software of the present invention.
Shown are a local content source (104), an offsite content source (106), a set-top box (302), a microprocessor (304), a memory (306), and a television (308).
In operation, set-top box (302) enables selection between video or audio provided by the local content source (104) and web or HTML content as provided by the offsite content source (106). The set-top box (302) provides selected content to television (308) for display. Additionally, set-top box (302) can combine both video and web/HTML content synchronously according to one embodiment of the present invention and provide the same to television (308) for display. Microprocessor (304) and memory (306) are used by computer (202) in executing software of the present invention.
Referring to
Shown are a hardware platform (402), an embedded web browser (410), and a media subsystem (420).
The hardware platform (402) executes both the embedded web browser (410) and the media subsystem (420). The embedded web browser (410) is coupled to the media subsystem (424). The media subsystem (420) is a superset of media services including DVD navigator for DVD disc. The media services is discussed in greater detail in relation to
In operation, the hardware platform (402) has microprocessor or other processing circuitry (as shown in
The application programming interface (API) provides a common programming interface for hypertext markup language (HTML) and ECMAScript (a standardized script based on JavaScript and the like) for ensuring playback of enhanced content on multiple playback platforms. Internet connectivity is not required for the use of the application programming interface (API) when content originates from disk ROM.
The application programming interface (API) facilitates the playback of audio and/or video embedded within a web page. The application programming interface (API) can play back full-screen video or video within a web page window (sub window). Audio and/or video is embedded within a HTML-encoded page by use of an appropriate tag such as, but not limited to, the object tag (for the Microsoft Windows operating system) and the embed tag (for the Apple Macintosh Liberate operating system).
Optionally, on players that support the ATVEF standard, the object could be referenced in the following manner:
<object data=“tv:” height=x width=x>
After the DVD-Video object is embedded in the web page, it can be accessed using any style sheet, link, or scripting language. Values for the ID string must begin with a letter (A-Z or a-z) and may be followed by any number of letters, digits, hyphens, and periods up to a maximum of 48.
Unlike computers, set-top boxes do not generally have a full-featured operating system and browser. Therefore, the capabilities within the browser are often more restricted. For embedding DVD-Video within these platforms using the application programming interface (API), the “InterActual” indentifier (ID) must be integrated within the embedded browser as any other tag structure. The ID allows the API to be associated with the HTML object. With this approach, any embedded browser that encounters the “InterActual” tag would automatically associate this identifier with the application programming interface (API).
The embedding of the video object assumes a certain level of Wwindow handling:
Toggling between full screen presentation of HTML and full screen video
Displaying DVD-Video within an HTML frame/window
Dynamic resizing of the video window size
The application programming interface (API) provides interaction with hardware platform (402) by means of commands (or methods), properties, and events. Commands (also called methods) are executed to control the playback of, search of, and navigation through video and/or audio content. The environment can be queried to ascertain the status of various properties. Events are triggered by the occurrence of various operating or playback conditions and serve to provide notification of these playback conditions. Events are essential for scripting and the simultaneous presentation of the media content (audio and/or video) with other web assets (such as text, graphics, etc.). Thus, properties are passive (provided in response to queries) and events are active (provided without queries).
Commands
Commands such as InterActual.PlayTitle, allows the HTML content to control playback of the media. Commands are parsed by the browser presentation engine (described later in greater detail in reference to
Properties
Properties allow the HTML content to query for state information of the DVD navigator. An example includes InterActual.TitleNumber. Properties are parsed by the presentation engine and passed thereafter to the DVD navigator. In response, the DVD navigator interprets the query and returns the requested information.
Events
Events allow the HTML content to receive state information from the DVD navigator. An example of an event notification would be InterActual.TitleEvent. Events are propagated from the DVD navigator to the browser presentation engine whenever the requested state changers. The HTML content can subscribe to events using any of the event handlers as described in the application programming interface (API) specification.
Shown are a display device (502), a screen (504), a content area (505), and a sub window (508).
The display device (502) contains the screen (504) able to display graphics and text. The content area (506) contains the sub window (508) (also referred to as a video window or alternate frame).
An important aspect of this embodiment is that audio and/or video can be integrated with other content such as text and/or graphics described in web compatible format (although the source need not be the Internet, but can be any source such as a disk or server able to deliver this content).
As an example, the sub window (508) displays movie content, such as the movie T2, and the content area (506) displays text and/or graphics (provided by HTML coding) which is topically related to the part of the movie playing in the sub window (508). When the user/viewer interacts with the content in the content area (506), such as by clicking on a displayed button, effects will be reflected in the media sub window (508). As an example, clicking on buttons or hypertext links indicating sections or particular points in the movie results in the video playback jumping to the selected point. Additionally, the media displayed in sub window (508) can result in changes in the content area (506). As an example, progression of the movie to a new scene results in a new text display giving information about the scene.
Concurrent Browsing and Video Playback
A primary feature of the application programming interface (API) is the ability to view HTML pages while playing video and/or audio content. The concurrent playback of browser and video places additional requirements on the processing power and memory of the underlying hardware. Each DVD semiconductor solution should be designed to perform both of these functions simultaneously. A required feature of the application programming interface (API) is the ability to display downscaled video within a frame of a web page. Additionally, video upscale is another feature of an embodiment as HTML content is already being designed with the assumption that this capability will be available in future devices.
Storyboard with Scrolling Display
As example of one embodiment is a movie authored with the entire screenplay provided on the DVD disk in HTML format. When a viewer clicks on any screen visually represented in HTML, the system links the viewer to that scene (by use of the command InterActual.SearchTime to go to the specific location within a title) within the DVD-Video. Besides being capable of a finer granularity than the normal chapter navigation provided on DVD-Video, the HTML-based script can contain other media such as a picture (by use of the command “InterActual.DisplayImage”) or special audio (by use of the command “InterActual.SelectAudio”) and/or live links for other information. Further, the text of the screenplay in HTML could automatically Ascroll@ with the DVD-Video to give the appearance of being synchronized with the DVD-Video. Although many of these types of features can be authored in DVD-Video (except, of course, live web links and synchronized scrolling), HTML authoring is much more efficient, immediate, and widely known.
Shown are a DVD device (602), an embedded web browser (410), a presentation engine (612), a web browser application programming interface for media services (614), DVD hardware (620), a DVD navigator (622), a media services (628), a DVD decoder (626), and an internet (630).
The DVD device (602) includes both the embedded web browser (410) and the DVD hardware (620). The embedded web browser (410) includes the presentation engine (612). The embedded web browser (410) is coupled to the web browser application programming interface for media services (614) which, in turn, is coupled to the DVD hardware (620). The DVD hardware (620) includes the DVD navigator (622) and the DVD decoder (626). The DVD navigator (622) includes the media services (628). The media services (628) is coupled to the DVD decoder (626). The DVD device (602) is coupled to the internet (630). The media services (628) corresponds to the media subsystem (628) but has a more specific implementation. The media subsystem (628) is a superset of the media services (628) and includes DVD navigator for DVD disc.
With the DVD device (602), the user is able to interact with an enhanced DVD on a television in the same fashion as can be experienced on a computer. The display area of a television can show video and HTML content concurrently. This is accomplished by the embedded web browser (410) in the DVD player. As discussed herein in reference to
The embedded web browser (410) is responsible for displaying the HTML content authored on InterActual-compatible disks, stored locally on device (602), or served from a remote server location. The embedded web browser (410) also supports concurrent playback of video and audio while presenting the HTML page.
Presentation Engine
The presentation engine (612) of the browser must provide for the embedding of video within web pages. Embedding video within web pages defines the location where the video is played. This location information is then parsed by the presentation engine and passed to the underlying video rendering engine.
The presentation engine (612) of the embedded web browser (410) parses the HTML instructions for controlling the media playback, generates any graphic portions of the display, positions a video window when it exists, and also interfaces directly with the underlying DVD Navigator. InterActual-specific instructions are interpreted by the presentation engine (612) and passed to a DVD abstraction layer, which can be part of the embedded browser or developed by the DVD navigator manufacturer. This layer serves as an abstraction that makes it possible to map the browser into a DVD player-specific DVD navigator developed either by the semiconductor manufacturer or the player manufacturer. Of course, the DVD Navigator interfaces with the underlying video and audio decoders.
DVD Navigator Abstraction Layer
The web browser application programming interface for media services (614) (or DVD navigator abstraction layer (614)) is a very thin interface layer between the presentation engine (612) and the media services (628).
The DVD Navigator abstraction layer (614) may be developed by the player manufacturer or the semiconductor manufacturer. To support a flexible and portable solution, the DVD navigator abstraction layer (614) is recommended to reside in between the browser (410) and the DVD navigator (622). Abstracting the communication between the browser (410) and navigator (622) offers a more robust and portable design, so that either the browser or the navigator can be changed in future player designs.
The DVD navigator (622) controls the decoding and playback of media in the drive.
The media services (628) serves as a middleware layer between web browser application programming interface for media services (614) and the DVD navigator (622). The media services (628) facilitates content running in the embedded web browser (410) to control the DVD navigator (622). The media services (628) allows the DVD navigator (622) to work with any web browser compliant with the present embodiment.
The DVD decoder (626) interfaces between the DVD media interface hardware contained in the DVD hardware (620) and the DVD navigator (622).
The Internet (630) is shown as a specific example of the offsite content source (106) shown in
Referring to
Shown are an embedded web browser (410), a command handler (with command API) (702), a properties handler (with properties API) (704), an event generator (with event API) (706), a cookie manager (with cookie API) (708), an identifier engine (710), an initialization module (712), a navigator state module (714), a bookmark manager (716), a system resources (720), a system timer (722), a system monitor (724), a system initialization (726) a DVD/CD navigator (422), a user remote control (730), a front panel display module (732), a CD decoder (734), a DVD decoder (426), an I/O controller (736), a disk (738), a HTML/JavaScript content (740), and an InterActual API (742).
The embedded web browser (410) is coupled to the command handler (which has an associated command API) (702) as shown by a bi-directional arrow. The embedded web browser (410) is coupled separately to the properties handler (which has an associated properties API) (704), the event generator (which has an associated event API) (706), and the cookie manager (which has an associated cookie API) (708), all three connections shown by an arrow pointing towards the embedded web browser (410).
The command handler (702) is coupled to the bookmark manager (716) shown by a bi-directional arrow. The command handler (702) is coupled to the DVD/CD navigator (422) shown by a bi-directional arrow. The command handler (702) is coupled to the navigator state module (714) shown by a bi-directional arrow. The command handler (702) is coupled to the system resources (720) by an arrow pointing to the system resources (720).
The properties handler (704) is coupled separately to the bookmark manager (716) and the identifier engine (710), both shown by an arrow pointing to the properties handler (704). The properties handler (704) is coupled the event generator (706) by a bi-directional arrow.
The event generator (706) is coupled to the navigator state module (714) shown by a bi-directional arrow. The event generator (706) is coupled to the system timer (722) shown by an arrow pointing to the event generator (706). The event generator (706) is coupled to the cookie manager (708) by an arrow pointing to the cookie manager (708).
The cookie manager (708) is coupled to the identifier engine (710) shown by a bi-directional arrow.
The identifier engine (710) is coupled to the I/O controller (736) by an arrow pointing towards the identifier engine (710) and to the navigator state module (714) by a bi-directional arrow.
The initialization module (712) is coupled to the system initialization (726) by an arrow pointing towards the initialization module (712). The initialization module (712) is coupled to the navigator state module (714) by an arrow pointing to the navigator state module (714).
The navigator state module (714) is also coupled separately to the bookmark manager (716) and the DVD/CD navigator (422) by bi-directional arrows.
The DVD/CD navigator (422) is coupled to the user remote control (730) by an arrow pointing to the DVD/CD navigator (422). The DVD/CD navigator (422) is coupled to the front panel display module (732) by an arrow pointing to the front panel display module (732). The DVD/CD navigator (422) is coupled to the DVD decoder (426) by a bi-directional arrow.
The I/O controller (736) is coupled separately to both the DVD decoder (426) and the CD decoder (734) by arrows pointing away from the I/O controller (736). The I/O controller (736) is coupled to the disk (738) by an arrow pointing to the disk (738).
The disk (738) is coupled to the HTML/JavaScript content (740) by an arrow pointing to the HTML/JavaScript content (740).
The HTML/JavaScript content (740) is coupled to the Application programming interface (API) (742) by an arrow pointing to the Application programming interface (API) (742).
In operation, the embedded web browser (410) receives HTML/JavaScript content from disk (738) which is displayed by presentation engine (612). The embedded web browser (410) originates commands (as a result of user interaction which can be via the remote in set-top systems, the keyboard or mouse in computing systems, the game interface in gaming systems, etc.), which are sent to the command handler (702) by way of the command API. The embedded web browser (410) also receives commands from the command handler (702) by way of the command API. An example of such a command is InterActual.FullScreen(w). The embedded web browser (410) also receives cookies from the cookie manager (708) via the cookie API, generally in response to the accessing of an Internet website. The embedded web browser (410) also receives events (notifications) each of which is a notification that a respective defined event (generally related to media playback) has occurred. These events are generated by the event generator (706) and sent via the event API, The embedded web browser (410) also queries properties from the properties handler (704) via the properties API. Properties are received in response to inquiries generated by the embedded web browser (410).
The command handler (702) controls the DVD/CD navigator (422) including starting and stopping playback, changing audio streams, and displaying sub-pictures from JavaScript, among many things. The command handler (702) provides live web content for non-InterActive disks when an active Internet connection is present through such commands as InterActual.NetConnect( ) and InterActual.NetDisconnect( ). The command handler (702) commands the bookmark manager (716) through such commands as InterActual.GotoBookmark( ) and InterActual.SaveBookmark( ). The command handler (702) also interacts with the navigator state module (714) generally regarding user interaction. The Navigator state module (714) keeps the current state of the system and receives it directly from the decoder (or maps directly into it). When the bookmark manager (716) is going to save a bookmark and needs to know the current title, the bookmark manager (716) receives it from the navigator state module (714) and places it in a bookmark and returns it to the command handler to allow it to provide a return value to the InterActual.SaveBookmark command.
The properties handler (704) provides the embedded web browser (410) with the ability to interrogate the navigator state module (714) for the DVD/CD navigator (422) state which includes the properties (also referred to as attributes) of the elapsed time of the current title, the disk type, and the disk region, among others. The properties handler (704) maintains knowledge of system attributes. The Event Generator monitors these attributes and triggers and event when one is changed.
The event generator (706) provides notification to the DVD/CD navigator (422) of events such as a change of title or chapter with web content (based on DVD time codes and the system time from the system timer (722)). The event generator (706) notifies the properties handler (704) of event triggerings which are of interest to the properties handler (704). The event generator (706) also provides events to the cookie manager (708) such as relate to the accessing of web pages, disk insertion, and disk ejection events.
The cookie manager (708) interacts with the identifier engine (710) to provide the ability to save information regarding the disk, platform, current user, and the application programming interface (API) version in local storage.
The identifier engine (710) provides the ability to generate a unique identifier for the media which enables the DVD ROM content (HTML and JavaScript from the disk) to carry out platform validation to ensure a certified device is present. The identifier engine (710) provides the ability to serialize each disk by reading and processing the information coded in the burst code area (BCA) of the disk. The BCA is read by the identifier engine (710) and stored in the navigator state module (714). Hence commands such as InterActual.GetBCAField( ) can get the BCA information from the navigator state module (714) after insertion of a disc. This BCA information provides the ability to uniquely identify each disk by serial number. Conditional access to content, usage tracking, and other marketing techniques are implemented thereby. The identifier engine (710) gets the BCA information for the serial identifier (SerialID), hashes the video IFO file to identify the title (called the MediaID), and then reads the ROM information to establish a data identifier (DataID) for the HTML/JavaScript data on the disc. The identifier engine (710) provides this information to the navigator state module (714) which stores this information and provides it to whichever of the command handler (702), properties handler (704), or event generator (706) needs it. The identifier engine (710) interacts with the navigator state module. The identifier engine (710) receives the BCA information (read differently than files) from the I/O controller (736). The identifier engine (710) interacts with the cookie manager (708) to place disc related information read from the BCA as discussed previously herein into the InterActual System cookie.
The initialization module (712) provides the ability to establish the DVD/CD navigator environment. The initialization module (712) allows the internal states and the State Modules (i.e. the navigator state module (714)) to be initialized. This initialization also includes reading the current disc in the drive and initializing a system cookie. It is noted that the embedded web browser (410) interfaces which allow registering a callback for the event handler are established at power-up as well.
The navigator state module (714) provides the ability to coordinate user interaction and DVD behavior with front panel controls and/or a remote control. In one embodiment, arbitration of control happens in the navigator (422) itself between the remote and front panel controls. DVD/CD navigator (722) playback is initiated by the navigator state module (714) in response to input from the initialization module (712). The navigator state module (714) receives locations of book marked points in the video playback from the bookmark manager (716) and controls the DVD/CD navigator (422) accordingly.
The bookmark manager (716) provides the ability for the JavaScript content to mark spots in video playback, and to return later to the same spot along with the saved parameters which include angle, sub-picture, audio language, and so forth. The bookmark manager (716) provides the ability to use video bookmarks in conjunction with web bookmarks. As an example, a video bookmark is set, a web session is launched going to a preset web book marked source to retrieve video-related information, then later a return to the video at the book marked spot occurs.
The system timer (722) provides time stamps to the event generator (706) for use in determining events for synchronization or controlled playback.
The system monitor (724) interacts with the properties handler (704). In one embodiment, the system generates a 900 millisecond timer tick as an event which the HTML/JavaScript uses in updating the appropriate time displays as is needed. For systems that do not have a DVD Navigator that creates events the timer is used to poll the property values every 900 milliseconds and compares the poll results with a previous result. If the result changes then an event is generated to the HTML/JavaScript.
The system initialization (726) provides initialization control whenever the system is turned on or reset.
The DVD decoder (427) generally receives the media stream from the I/O controller (736) and decodes the media stream into video and audio signals for output. The DVD decoder (426) receives control from DVD/CD navigator (422).
The CD-DA decoder (734) receives a media stream from I/O controller (736) and decodes it into audio which it provides as output.
The I/O controller (736) interfaces with disk (738) and controls its physical movement, playback, and provides the raw output to the appropriate decoder. The I/O controller (736) also provides disk state information to identifier engine (710).
The disk (738) can be any media disk such as, but not limited to, DVD-ROM, DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, CD-ROM, CD-Audio.
Referring to
Shown are a disk (802), a /ROOT directory (804), a /COMMON directory (806), a /MAC directory (808), a/WIN directory (810), a /NUON directory (812), and a/SONY directory (814).
The disk (802) includes each of the directories listed: the /ROOT directory (804), the /COMMON directory (806), the /MAC directory (808), the /WIN directory (810), the /NUON directory (812), and the /SONY directory (814).
In one embodiment, the application programming interface (API) uses the file structure depicted in
The directory structure allows for proprietary executable binary files for each platform. The platform-specific directory structure and its associated set of binaries enable any platform to run executables specifically designed for that platform. This capability, in essence, allows the platform-specific binaries to override the general purpose content, or override the standard browser mechanism. While actual ROM content may reside in a platform directory, in one embodiment, all ROM content resides in the /COMMON directory (806) when possible. The /COMMON directory (806) can support any number of subdirectories including platform-specific directories.
The /COMMON directory (806) and platform-specific directories are standardized, however, each platform developer is free to create their own subdirectory structure under their reserved platform-specific directory. As example, Sony may create PS2 and PS3 subdirectories under the /SONY directory (814).
The /COMMON directory (806) stores the actual ROM content (as opposed to platform-specific binaries). It is recommended that all ROM content, including platform-specific ROM content, reside in this directory as this facilitates an intuitive content development approach and provides an easy way for JavaScript to be used to detect platforms and render the appropriate HTML pages tailored to specific platforms when required.
Even if platform-specific binaries are included on the disk, the general purpose content can still be called. In one embodiment, a DVD utilizes the directory structure by placing the Windows version of software in the /WIN directory, the Macintosh version of PCFriendly in the /MAC directory (808), and so forth. Upon insertion of the disk, whichever platform the disk has been inserted into will execute the appropriate binaries (found in that platform's directory and autorun), and these binaries thereafter load the INDEX.HTM file located in the /COMMON directory (806), which is the starting point for any general-purpose InterActual-compatible disk. The meta-data tag in the head section of the INDEX.HTM file, in one embodiment, contains the Application programming interface (API) version information. The INDEX.HTM file serves as a background container web page during standard playback that allows JavaScript event handlers to be loaded and activated to handle button events during playback. JavaScript can be used to detect platforms and render the appropriate HTML pages customized for those platforms.
The specifications for DVD-video and DVD-audio require that each disk contain specific directories and files. As example, DVD-video files are contained in a directory named VIDEO_TS and DVD-audio files are contained in a directory named AUDIO_TS. There is no such requirement for DVD-ROM, so developers can arrange files in any desired manner.
Files stored for use with InterActual-compatible disks can be in any DVD disc directory. In the case where no platform-specific executable file exists, there must be a method which allows the browser and/or playback engine to identify the initial HTML file.
During disk creation, DVD-video zone files must be placed physically at the beginning of the disk, contiguously, in the order specified by the DVD-video specification. Likewise, DVD-audio zone files must follow the DVD-video files in contiguous order.
In one embodiment, the VIDEO_TS and AUDIO_TS directories are the first entries in the directory descriptor. In one embodiment, the ROM zone files are placed in subdirectories rather than the /ROOT directory.
The placement of files on a dual-layer disk (DVD-9, DVD-14, or DVD-18) is generally independent of the layer details. DVD-video and DVD-audio files must begin on layer 0. ROM zone files are placed at the end, beginning on whichever layer the DVD-video (or DVD-audio) files end on, and can cross the layer boundary if needed.
DVD authoring systems and tools support different naming capabilities such as UDF, ISO-9660, ISO-9660 with Joliet extensions, Macintosh file names, Macintosh resources, hybrid disks, etc. Some authoring systems force a certain character capitalization (such as all capitals).
The disk insertion flow of
The first phase is InterActual disk detection where the disk is checked to determine if it has InterActual content. This is done by seeking the INDEX.HTM file in the /COMMON directory on the disk. If the INDEX.HTM file exists, then the DVD is compatible with the present embodiment, otherwise, it is not.
The second phase is disk type detection where the disk is checked to determine if it is a DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, or CD-DA disk.
The third phase is player mode detection where the device is checked to determine the default playback mode for the system. This is done by reading the player mode by the properties query InterActual.PlayerMode. When the device is configured for play mode, content in accordance with the present embodiment, in one embodiment, is bypassed.
If the default playback mode for the device is “InterActual” mode, then content in accordance with the present embodiment is launched beginning with /COMMON/INDEX.HTM. The content itself can be updated dynamically if there is an active Internet connection. When there is no active Internet connection, the device will render the content from the disk ROM.
For disks not in accordance with the present embodiment in players with a default playback mode of “InterActual,” the default content homepage (CONNECT.HTM) is rendered and an Internet connection is attempted to potentially provide web content.
The fourth phase is platform-specific file detection where directories on the disk are checked to determine if any platform-specific files are located. This is done by searching for the appropriate file structures for the device.
The fifth phase is internet connection determination where the device is checked to see whether an Internet connection is active or possible. The system can access and updated content files for the current title of disks in accordance with the present embodiment. For non-enhanced titles, the system will look online to see if there is any content available for the current title. If there is such content, the system can offer the same interactive experience as a title in accordance with the present embodiment affords.
When the device is in player mode play, a disk in accordance with the present embodiment can display a logo to signify that there is content in accordance with the present embodiment available from the disk ROM.
Referring to
Algorithm 900 begins when a user inserts a media disk into a device at “insert disk” block (902) and determines if the inserted disk is a DVD or music CD in accordance with the present embodiment block (904).
When the determination (block 904) is that the inserted disk is not a disk in accordance with the present embodiment, the algorithm (900) continues through connector A (906) to the corresponding connector A in
When the determination (block 904) is that the inserted disk is a disk in accordance with the present embodiment, the determination is next made whether the disk is a DVD (block 908).
If the result of the determination of block 908 is that the disk is a DVD, a check is made whether the author mode is movie mode or system mode (block 910). If the author mode is movie mode, standard DVD playback is initiated (block 914). If the author mode is system mode, the determination is made whether the default player mode is “InterActual” (block 912). If it is not, the algorithm (900) launches standard DVD playback (block 914). If it is, the determination is made whether platform specific binaries exist for the current platform (block 916), and if so, platform specific binaries are launched (block 918). If no platform-specific binaries are found, the determination is made whether there is an active Internet connection (block 920), and if not, the file INDEX.HTM is launched from the DVD (block 922). If there is an active Internet connection, a check is made for web content for the current title (block 924), and if there is content for the current title it is displayed (block 926).
If the result of the decision at block 908 is that the disk is not a DVD, the determination is next made whether the default player mode is “InterActual” (block 930) and if not, CD standard playback is launched (block 932). If the default player mode is “InterActual,” a check is made for any platform-specific binaries (block 934) and if any are present, the platform-specific binaries are launched (block 936). If there are no platform-specific binaries, a check is made whether there is an active Internet connection (block 938) and if not, INDEX.HTML is launched from the CD-ROM (block 940). If there is an active Internet connection, a check is made for web content for the current title, and if there is any, it is displayed (block 944). If there is no web content for the current title, INDEX.HTML is launched from the CD-ROM (block 940).
Identifying InterActual-Compatible Discs
A disc in accordance with the present embodiment is detected by checking for the existence of the /COMMON/INDEX.HTM file. The application programming interface (API) version information can be found in the meta-data area of the HTML file.
Referring to
Algorithm 900 continues from connector A (connector 906) in
If the disk is determined to not be a DVD (block 1004), a check is made whether the default player mode is “InterActual” (block 1010) and if it is not, standard playback is launched (block 1012). If the default player mode is “InterActual” (block 1010), DEFAULT.HTM is launched from memory (block 1014). After launching DEFAULT.HTM, a check is made whether an active Internet connection exists (block 1016) and if not, standard playback is launched (block 1018). If an active Internet connection exists, a check is made for online content for the current title (block 1020). If no online content is found for the current title, standard playback is initiated (block 1018). If online content for the current title is found, the online content found is displayed (block 1022).
Shown are a server (1102), an Internet (1104), an InterActive device (1106), and an InterActive device 2 (1108).
The server (1102) is coupled to the Internet (1104) shown by a bi-directional arrow. The Internet (1104) is coupled separately to both the interactive device (1106) and the interactive device 2 (1108) shown by bi-directional arrows.
DVDs can be used for multiple user synchronous use. Generally, this is done by having a prearranged time for an event (such information could be programmed on the disk or provided to users from online content accessed via the disk) at which time interested users connect to a prearranged website by use of the appropriate disk. The network site can control all connected devices by sending commands such as play, pause, fast forward, etc. By this manner, content resident on the disks as well as live web-originated content can be synchronously interwoven for any number of connected users simultaneously. With the server being coupled to the interactive devices the server can send commands to these devices for remotely controlling content stored on local interactive devices connected to a network system, such as the Internet. First, the interactive devices begin with the same interactive content, such as a DVD-Video disk. The interactive devices and a server are adapted to be connected to a network. In operation, information is transmitted from the server to the interactive devices that begin playback of the interactive content utilizing the network. Each interactive device receives the command at the same time and thus the commands and therefore the content are synchronized at start of playback. If the interactive devices support different commands such as a playing at a given time or only playing at a given chapter the server must utilize the supported features for the interactive device and send out only the supported commands to the interactive devices. This allows for the simultaneous playback of the event on each of the client apparatuses. Late synchronization can be achieved by a similar method by sending a command from the server to the interactive devices of the current time position the DVD-Video is playing. For those interactive devices that only support chapter commands the server must wait until the next chapter change to send the command to the interactive device to synchronize with the other interactive devices currently viewing the DVD-Video. Furthermore, This allows content such as DVD Video content to be locked so that play can only be accomplished through verification of interactive devices identity and also allows augmentation and supplementation of the content provided by the video from a remote server. Upon verification of a interactive device's credentials, the locally stored content can be supplemented with additional content delivered over the network system. This is achieved by using precise command sequences from the server to the interactive devices that unlock the local DVD-Video for example.
Network Controlled Synchronization
DVDs can be used for multiple user synchronous use. Generally, this is done by having a prearranged time for an event (such information could be programmed on the disk or provided to users from online content accessed via the disk) at which time interested users connect to a prearranged website by use of the appropriate disk. The network site can control all connected devices by sending commands such as play, pause, fast forward, etc. By this manner, content resident on the disks as well as live web-originated content can be synchronously interwoven for any number of connected users simultaneously.
Referring to
Shown are a “view button pressed” block (1202), a web view (1204), a content view (1206), an InterActual mode (1208), and a full-screen mode (1210).
A user has two views between which he or she can switch, one being from the world wide web (WWW) and the other being from the disk content. Users accessing a display device (102) by remote control has, in one embodiment, access to both views (or “worlds”) at any time through the “view” button. Additionally, in one embodiment, a graphics subsystem can support this by having two graphic “planes,” one for each view. By having a separate disk content view, the content owner can control the presentation of information (scripts, pictures, videos, etc.). This aids in merchandising of the content.
In the example of
The web view (1204) is the InterActual-compatible device's “home page.” This page is under the control of the device manufacturer. As an example, this page may contain the manufacturer's logo and/or system (device) specific information. Alternatively, this page may be determined by user-controlled settings of the device.
The content view (1206) is the content “home page” and resides at /COMMON/INDEX.HTM (on a disk) or as CONNECT.HTM in the device's memory (e.g. flash ROM). Depending on the player mode of the device, the content view (1206) can default to either “InterActual” mode (1208) or full-screen mode (1210).
When a disk contains “InterActual” content, the content authors can create it such that the user experience begins with the “InterActual” content. This is an option available to the disk authors at the time of authoring.
Referring to
Shown is a remote control (1300), having a back button (1302), a view button (1304), a home button (1306), an IA (InterActual) button (1308), a stop button (1310), a next button (1312), a prev button (1314), a play button (1316), an up button (1318), a left button (1320), a right button (1322), and a down button (1324).
The back button (1302) has different uses. In an Internet view, the back button (1302) goes back to the previously-visited web page. In a content (from disk) view, the back button (1302) goes back to the last web page or video/web page combination which was viewed.
The view button (1304) switches between a full-screen Internet (or web) view to a full-screen content (from disk) view.
The home button (1306) has different uses. In an Internet view, the home button (1306) goes to the device=s home page which, as example, could be the manufacturer=s page or a user-specified page if changed by the user. In a content (from disk) view, the home button (1306) goes to the content home page which, as example, could be INDEX.HTM from the disk ROM or CONNECT.HTM from the flash system memory.
The IA button (1308), or “InterActual” button, is a dedicated button which is discussed in greater detail under the subheading “context sensitive application” later herein in reference to
The playback buttons, stop (1310), next (1312), prev (previous) (1314), and play (1316), control the video whenever there is video being displayed (either in full-screen mode or in a window). If no video is being displayed, pressing of the play button (1316), in one embodiment, loads a special page VIDPLAY.HTM if it is present in the /COMMON directory of an inserted disk ROM. If the VIDPLAY.HTM file is not found, pressing of the play button (1316), in one embodiment, plays the DVD in full-screen video mode.
The navigation buttons, up (1318), left (1320), right (1322), and down (1324), in one embodiment, do not work for DVD navigation unless video is playing in full-screen mode. If video is playing in a window within a web page, these buttons enable navigation of the web page, especially useful for navigating to and selecting HTML hyperlinks. In this embodiment, the windowed video will be a selectable hyperlink as well. Selecting the video window (by an enter button not shown) causes it to change to full-screen video. In another embodiment, a mouse or other pointing device such as a trackball, hand glove, pen, or the like can be integrated with the system.
Context Sensitive Application
In one embodiment, use of a unique event and a special button on the remote control (1300), a specific section in the media can trigger a context-sensitive action. Events that are used for this purpose are context sensitive to the media content. As example, an event can trigger during a certain scene, upon which, in response to a user's selection of an object within the scene can display information relating to the selected object.
In one embodiment, when media content subscribes to a particular event for context sensitive interaction, which can be done on a chapter or time basis, the DVD navigator can optionally overlay transparently some place on the display alerting the user that context-sensitive interaction is available. Similar to when a network logo is transparently displayed at the bottom of a television screen, in one embodiment, an InterActual logo is displayed to signify there is more info available for the displayed scene, and so forth. This ability is implemented through the media services (420) and the graphical subsystem of the DVD navigator (622).
Regarding
Shown are a server 1402, an Internet 1404, a cookie 1406, and a computer 1408.
The server 1402 is coupled to the Internet 1404. The Internet (1404) is coupled to the computer (1408) with the cookie (1406) shown being communicated along the connection between the computer (1408) and the Internet (1404).
In operation, a user causes computer (1408) to access a web page resident on the server (1402) via the connections through the Internet. In so doing, the website containing the accessed web page causes the cookie (1406) to be sent to the computer (1408) and stored on a local storage drive for later reference by the storing website.
A cookie is information that a web site (server side program) puts on a client's computer or permanent storage so that information is retained from browsing session to browsing session (or later use in the same session). Typically, a cookie records user-specific information such as past user choices during interaction with the web site. Cookies are useful because the nature of the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) used by the World Wide Web (WWW) is that each web page request is completely independent of all other requests. Thus a cookie is a mechanism which allows a web site to retain access to past interaction history with particular clients.
The embedded browser supports two types of cookies, system cookies and general-purpose cookies. System cookies are predefined in both name and size as part of the Application programming interface (API). System cookies are automatically created and modified by the player hardware and embedded browser. General-purpose cookies are cookies that can be placed by web pages. Both system cookies and general-purpose cookies may be volatile or non-volatile (maintained even if storing system is powered off) depending on their specific function.
The following cookies are supported by the application programming interface (API):
Platform cookie, a non-volatile cookie of 32 bytes length that contains unique hardware information, including a hardware identifier for the device.
UserID cookie, a non-volatile cookie of 32 bytes length that contains unique user login information (useful for multi-user households).
An application programming language version cookie, a non-volatile cookie of 32 byte in length which maintains version information for the supported levels of the application programming interface (API).
Player Mode cookie, a non-volatile cookie of 32 bytes length which maintains the default player mode for the Application programming interface (API) playback, movie mode, or InterActual mode.
Disk cookie, a volatile cookie of 214 bytes length which contains currently inserted disk information including a unique ID generated by local hardware based on hashing algorithm provided by InterActual and (2) the id field from PCFreindly titles (based on the file DISC.ID) provided the disk is a PCFreindly (PCF) disk. This cookie is generated with null content when no disk is currently in the drive.
The application programming interface (API) also provides for a minimum of 100 general-purpose cookies that can be used by general web sites. Each of these cookies can be up to 200 bytes in size, therefore the minimum storage requirement for cookies is determined as follows:
4 reserved 32 byte system cookies=128 bytes
1 reserved 214 byte system cookie=214 bytes
100 general-purpose cookies of 200 bytes=20,000 bytes
Thus total cookie storage is a minimum of 20,342 bytes.
Referring to
Shown are a video (1504), a bookmark (1504), and a screen image (1506).
In operation, bookmark (1504) records the necessary information to return to the same point in the video playback of video (1502) by recording the title number, time position, chapter, angle, sub picture, and language.
Bookmarks maintain the state of player by storing general parameter registers (GPRMs) for a specific title. Video bookmarks mark where the video player state was last. For the application programming interface (API), one bookmark per title is required. In one embodiment, 32 bookmarks are recommended.
A bookmark has a minimum size of 10 bytes. There is at least one bookmark per disk. These bookmarks are managed in a queue such that creating a new bookmark for a specific disk (using the disk cookie) will overwrite the last bookmark in the queue for that disk provided the queue is full. If a new disk is encountered, the oldest bookmark of the set is overwritten. In one embodiment, a capacity of 32 bookmarks is required, which requires a minimum of 320 bytes of persistent storage.
A more detailed treatment of bookmarks and the bookmark queue is presented in Application programming interface (API) Specification@ (hereby incorporated by reference).
Bookmark structure is described in table 1.
Content Caching
In an embodiment, one megabyte (1 MB) of cached simultaneous content is recommended. In an embodiment, the cache size should be specified in the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) header sent between the player and attached servers. Larger local storage for caching web pages and the like can be used with the present invention.
Content Support
In one embodiment, the Application programming interface (API) content support for fully compatible InterActual-compliant devices is defined in the two areas of content format support and content type support as follows:
Content Format Support
Content format support, according to one embodiment of the present invention, includes hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) version 1.0, hypertext markup language (HTML) version 4.0 (frames, tables, event handler extensions), (CSS) version 1, (DOM) version 0, ECMAScript version 1,1 (note ECMAScript and DOM 0 is equivalent to JavaScript version 1.1. Requires platform and language detection), (SSL) version 2.0, Application programming interface (API) version 1.0 (embedding, commands, properties, and events), cookies (used to store hardware platform information and essential disk identification information).
Content Type Support
Mandatory content type support includes MPEG1 and MPEG2 video files, WAV, AU, AIFF, and MP3 audio files, GIF, JPEG, and PNG graphics files
Advanced Format Support
The advanced format support is not required for a standard implementation. Advanced formats include, but are not limited to, Macromedia Flash (this is encouraged as Flash is very popular for studio DVDs), extensible markup language (XML), Chat, and streaming media such as MPEG4, Real Player, and Quicktime. With the advent of modern and other advanced Internet connectivity solutions, more additions to the advance format capabilities will be made.
More Complex Menu Structures
A DVD-Video is shipped with a simple HTML page that does little except start a movie. However, it also checks to see if that movie has any web site updates. If it does, then it launches a new movie menu that is downloaded from the web. Obviously, the downloaded menu can be designed much later than the DVD. The menu may have e-commerce opportunities, such as promoting gifts for purchase, tickets for the sequel to the movie on the DVD, etc. The window of time of these opportunities is decided by the content owner and is completely independent of the DVD. The menu can have links to actors/actresses featured in the DVD. Additionally, the menu can provide options to navigate the DVD with finer granularity than the original chapters on the DVD provide.
Special Coupon from Retailer
DVDs authored with different logos at the head (such as logos for Best Buy, Circuit City, or the like) can be used for advertising purposes. For example, the disk start-up can be specified to display the logo of the original retailer and the consumer can be directed to access the retailer's website for promotional advertisements. This can be accomplished by checking the burst cutting area (BCA) on the disk which would indicate the identity of the retailer.
InterActual Application Programming Interface
Following is presented an exemplary list of the commands, properties, and events for several embodiments of the InterActual Programming Interface. This list is presented as follows:
A The DVD-Video and CD-Digital programming interface
B The DVD-Audio Specific Interface
C Advanced InterActual API
Summary
Parameters:
Example:
Notes:
InterActual.PlayChapter(t,c); InterActual.PlayTime(t,h,m,s,x)
A.1.2 InterActual.PlayTitle(t)
Summary
Start playback at the specified title number.
Example:
Notes:
See also:
InterActual.Play( ); InterActual.PlayTime(t,h,m,s,x); InterActual.PlayChapter(t,c)
A.1.3 InterActual.PlayChapter(t,c)
Summary
Start playback at the specified title number and chapter value. Parameters:
Example:
Notes:
Requires:
See also:
InterActual.PlayTitle(t); InterActual.SearchChapter(c)
A.1.4 InterActual.PlayChapterAutoStop(t,c,n)
Summary
Start playback of the specified title t at chapter c for n chapters.
Example:
Requires:
See also:
InterActual.PlayChapter(t,c)
A.1.5 InterActual.PlayTime(t,h,m,s,x)
Summary
This command starts playback in the specified time number (t) at the specified time in hours (h), minutes (m), seconds (s) and milliseconds (x). For DVD-Audio, the first parameter represents the title group number (t).
Examples:
Notes:
Requires:
See also:
InterActual.SearchTime(h,m,s,x)
A.1.6 InterActual.PlayTimeAutoStop(t,sh,sm,ss,sx,eh,em,es,ex)
Summary
This command starts playback in the specified tide number (t) at the specified start time in hours (sh), minutes (sm), seconds (ss) and milliseconds (sx) and ends at the specified end time (using the same variables for hours, minutes, seconds and milliseconds: eh, em, es, ex). For DVD-Audio, the first parameter represents the title group number (t).
Examples
Requires
See also
InterActual.PlayTime(t,h,m,s,x)
A.1.7 InterActual.PlayTrack(g,t)
Summary
Start playback at the beginning of the specified track number with the selected title group number.
Example
Notes
See also:
InterActual.SearchTrack(t); InterActual.PlayTitleGroup(g)
A.1.8 InterActual.SearchChapter(c)
Summary
Jump to the beginning of the specified chapter within the current title.
Example
Notes:
Requires:
See also: InterActual.PlayTitle(t); InterActual.PlayChapter(t,c)
A.1.9 InterActual.SearchTime(h,m,s,x)
Summary
This command starts playback at the specified time in hours (h), minutes (m), seconds (s) and milliseconds (x).
Examples
Notes
Requires
See also:
InterActual.PlayTime(t,h,m,s,x)
A.1.10 InterActual.SearchTrack(t)
Summary
Start playback at the beginning of the specified track number with the current title group number.
Example
Notes
See also:
InterActual.PlayTitleGroup(g)
A.1.11 InterActual.TotalNumChapters(t)
Summary
Returns the total number of chapters (Part of Titles—PTT) available for current title/title group.
Example
Notes
The Title Group range is only from 1-9.
A.1.12 InterActual.NextPG( )
Summary
Parameters
Example
Notes
DVD-Audio: Valid in only video-capable DVD-Audio player, and only in the Audio Manager domain.
A.1.13 InterActual.PrevPG( )
Summary
Parameters
Example
Notes
DVD-Audio: Valid in only video-capable DVD-Audio player, and only in the Audio Manager domain.
A.1.14 InterActual.GoUp( )
Summary
Parameters
Example
InterActual.GoUp( )
A.1.15 InterActual.NextTrack( )
Summary
Parameters
Example
InterActual.NextTrack( )
A.1.16 InterActual.PrevTrack( )
Summary
Parameters
Example
Notes
This method halts playback of the current track and starts playback from the start of the current track within the title group (same as TopTK_Search). If playback is within 10 seconds of the start of a track however, this method will force the presentation to go to the start of the previous track (same as PrevTK_Search). If already in first track then playback starts at beginning of the track upon InterActual.PrevTrack( ).
A.1.17 InterActual.TotalTrackTime(t)
Summary
Returns the total time of track t in milliseconds (for CD-DA).
Example
Track5Length=InterActual.TotalTrackTime(5)
A.1.18 InterActual.Pause( )
Summary
Parameters
Example
InterActual.Pause( )
A.1.19 InterActual.Stop( )
Summary
Parameters
Example
InterActual.Stop( )
A.1.20 InterActual.FastForward(x)
Summary
This command fast-forwards the current DVD at speed x.
Example
Notes
Some players may only allow values of 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32. If this command is used with a value not in the list, then the underlying software will approximate to the nearest available value (for instance 3 is specified and 4 is chosen) rather than return with an error code.
A.1.21 InterActual.Rewind(x)
Summary
Rewind or reverse play the current DVD at speed x.
Example
Notes
Some players may only allow values of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32. If this command is used with a value not in the list, then the underlying software will approximate to the nearest available value (for instance 3 is specified and 4 is chosen) rather than return with an error code.
A.1.22 InterActual.Menu(menuID)
Summary
This command jumps to the selected menuID.
Example
Notes
Requires
See also:
InterActual.Resume( )
A.1.23 InterActual.Resume( )
Summary
Parameters
Example
Notes
See also:
InterActual.Menu(menuID)
A.1.24 InterActual.StillOff( )
Summary
Parameters
Example
Notes
The Still is enforced by the Navigation system, versus a Pause that is enforced by User Operation. During a Still condition, the count of the Navigation Timer and General Parameters in Counter mode are continued as usual. However, this is not the case for Pause. Additionally, button functions are valid during a Still condition—not so for Pause.
A.1.25 InterActual.SelectUpButton( )
Summary
Parameters
Example
See also:
InterActual.SelectRightButton( )
A.1.26 InterActual.SelectDownButton( )
Summary
Parameters
Example
See also
InterActual.SelectRightButton( )
A.1.27 InterActual.SelectLeftButton( )
Summary
Parameters
Example
See also
InterActual.SelectRightButton( )
A.1.28 InterActual.SelectRightButton( )
Summary
Parameters
Example
See also:
InterActual.SelectLeftButton( )
A.1.29 InterActual.SelectButtonAndActivate(n)
Summary
Activate the specified highlighted button, where n is the button number.
Example
InterAclual.SelectButtonAndActivate(2)
A.1.30 InterActual.ActivateButton( )
Summary
Parameters
Example
InterActual.ActivateButton( )
A.1.31 InterActual.SelectAudio(n)
Summary
Sets the stream number of the Audio to play.
Example
Notes
The number of audio streams in Menu Domain is, at most, 1; the author either includes audio in a menu or not.
A.1.32 InterActual.SelectSubpicture(n)
Summary
Sets the stream number of the Sub-picture to display.
Example
Notes
This command is only applicable for the Title Domain.
A.1.33 InterActual.SelectAngle(n)
Summary
Sets the angle number of the Angle to play.
Example
InterActual.SelectAngle(3)
A.1.34 InterActual.SelectParentalLevel(n)
Summary
Selects parental level of the player.
Example
Notes
This command is only available in Stop State.
A.1.35 InterActual.AudioLanguage(x, rc)
Summary
Returns the audio language for specified audio stream number x.
Example
AudioLang3=InterActual.AudioLanguage(3)
A.1.36 InterActual.AudioLanguageExtension(x)
Summary
Returns the audio language extension for specified audio stream number x.
Signed 1 byte integer
Example
AudioLangExt3=InterActual.AudioLanguageExtension(3)
A.1.37 InterActual.SubpictureLanguage(x, rc)
Summary
Returns the sub-picture language for specified subpicture number x (subpicture language is the 2-digit locale).
Example
LocaleSubP23=InterActual.SubpictureLanguage(3)
A.1.38 InterActual.SubpictureLanguageExtension(x)
Summary
Returns the sub-picture language extension for the specified sub-picture number x.
Example
Lang3Ext=InterActual.SubpictureLanguageExtension(3)
A.1.39 InterActual.GetGPRM(r)
Summary
Gets the specified General Parameter Register value.
Example
X=InterActual.GetGPRM(1)
A.1.40 InterActual.GetSPRM(r)
Summary
Get the specified System Parameter Register value.
25: reserved
Example
X=InterActual.GetSPRM(1)
A.1.41 InterActual.ValidUOP(x)
Summary
Note:
The specific operation (UOP bit) is disabled when the corresponding bit is set to a “1”.
Example
To retrieve and test the UOP bit for InterActual.PlayTime.
A.1.42 InterActual.GetBCAField( )
Summary
Parameters
None required
Example
BCA_Test_bits=InterActual.GetBCAField( )
A.1.43 InterActual.SupportedFeatures(x)
Summary
Use this command to check if features are supported. A number is passed in to test a specific feature of the API corresponding to the capabilities of the current system. A “0” or “1” value is returned specifying if the feature is supported or not. If a “1” is returned, the corresponding feature is supported and a “0” means it is not supported.
Example
To retrieve the supported features for this InterActual device:
Index List
The interfaces are listed below in a form that will be used for authoring templates (defined using a “var” statement in JavaScript) to avoid having to specify the numerical value directly.
A.1.44 InterActual.EnableSubpicture(n)
Summary
Enables or disables sub-pictures.
Example
InterActual.EnableSubpicture(0)
A.1.45 InterActual.SetGPRM(r,x)
Summary
Manually set the General Parameter Registers.
Example
Notes
This command should be used with caution.
A.1.46 InterActual.Mute( )
Summary
Parameters
Example
Notes
This method acts as a toggle. To un-mute, issue InterActual.Mtite( ) again.
A.1.47 InterActual.FullScreen(w)
Summary
Sets the video playback to full screen or in a window.
Example
InterActual.FullScreen(1)
A.1.48 InterActual.GotoBookmark(b)
Summary
Continues playback at the bookmark saved for this disc.
Example
Notes
See also
InterActual.SaveBookmark( )
A.1.49 InterActual.SaveBookmark( )
Summary
Saves a bookmark for the current play location for this disc.
Example
Notes
GotoBookmark(b)
A.1.50 InterActual.NetConnect( )
Summary
Parameters
Example
InterActual.NetConnect( )
Notes
This command does not block, but when it is used in conjunction with the Net Event, the code can see the progress of establishing a connection and respond accordingly.
A.1.51 InterActual.NetDisconnect( )
Summary
Parameters
Example
InterActual.NetDisconnect( )
Notes
This command does not block.
A.1.52 InterActual.SubscribeToEvent(e,s)
Summary
All events listed in the base API are subscribed to, by default with the exception of “Info” event, index “21”. Additionally, all advanced and platform-specific events are not subscribed to and must be explicitly subscribed to. A program can choose to subscribe or unsubscribe to an event using this command.
Example
Notes
If an attempt is made to subscribe to an event that is already subscribed to (for whatever reason), no error will be returned; rather the state of subscription will not change
A.2 Properties
Properties can be used to find information about commonly used variables, such as time, title and chapter. They are read-only, by definition. Where it makes sense to set a specific property, there will be an associated command to do so.
All properties must be supported and contain a value within the range specified. If a property doesn't exist or is not supportable at the time, then the property should return the value “not implemented” or “ni” for character or “−1” for numeric values.
InterActual playback devices shall support the following properties.
A.2.1 InterActual.ElapsedTime
Summary
Return Value
Example
TimeSoFar=InterActual.ElapsedTime
A.2.2 InterActual.TotalElapsedTime
Summary
Returns the total elapsed time, in milliseconds, of the CD-DA (disc) playing.
Example
DiscLength=InterActual.TotalElapsedTime
A.2.3 InterActual.TotalTime
Summary
Returns the total time of current title (in milliseconds). For CD-DA, it returns the total time for the current disc.
Example
TitleLength=InterActual.TotalTime
A.2.4 InterActual.TitleNumber
Summary
Returns the currently playing title number.
Example
TitleNum=InterActual.TitleNumber
A.2.5 InterActual.PGCNumber
Summary
Returns the currently playing PGC number.
Example
CurrPGCNum=InterActual.PGCNumber
A.2.6 InterActual.ChapterNumber
Summary
Returns the currently playing chapter number.
Example
CurrChapterNum=InterActual.ChapterNumber
A.2.7 InterActual.TrackNumber
Summary
Returns the currently playing track number.
Example
FavoriteTrackNum=InterActual.TrackNumber
A.2.8 InterActual.PlayState
Summary
Returns the current play state.
Example
State=InterActual.PlayState
A.2.9 InterActual.Domain
Summary
Returns the current domain.
Example
currentDom=InterActual.Domain
A.2.10 InterActual.AudioNumber
Summary
Returns the current audio stream/selection number.
Example
Notes
For DVD-Audio, only 1 audio stream is available in the DVD-Audio zone. On a hybrid disc, the DVD-Video zone can have a max of 2 audio streams.
A.2.11 InterActual.SubpictureNumber
Summary
Returns the current sub-picture stream number.
Example
Notes
If this property returns a ninety-nine (99), then sub-pictures are off.
A.2.12 InterActual.AngleNumber
Summary
Return Value
Example
CurrAngle=InterActual.AngleNumber
A.2.13 InterActual.ParentalLevel
Summary
Returns the current parental level.
Example
Notes
Upon the start of playback, this property can be tested to avoid playback of material at a higher level than parents may allow.
A.2.14 InterActual.ButtonNumber
Summary
Returns the number of the currently highlighted button.
Example
Notes
Up to 36 rectangular buttons can be on the screen (which are capable of being highlighted). In the case of wide screen content (with anamorphic, auto-letterbox, or auto pan & scan modes), only 18 buttons are allowed per screen (when two modes are used). Only 12 buttons are allowed per screen when all three modes are used.
A.2.15 InterActual.TotalNumAudio
Summary
Returns the total number of audio streams available for current title/title group.
Example
Notes
For DVD-Audio, only 1 audio stream is available in the DVD-Audio zone. On a hybrid disc, the DVD-Video zone can have a max of 2 audio streams.
A.2.16 InterActual.TotalTracks
Summary
Returns the total number of audio tracks available for current CD-DA disc.
Example
TotalTracksOnDisc=InterActual.TotalTracks
A.2.17 InterActual.TotalTitles
Summary
Returns the total number of titles available for current disc.
Example
TotalTitlesOnDisc=InterActual.TotalTitles
A.2.18 InterActual.TotalNumSubpicture
Summary
Returns the number of sub-picture streams currently available.
Example
TotalAvailSubP=InterActual.TotalNumSubpicture
A.2.19 InterActual.TotalNumAngle
Summary
Returns the total number of available angles.
Example
TotalAvailAngles=InterActual.TotalNumAngle
A.2.20 InterActual.TotalNumButton
Summary
Returns the total number of buttons on the current menu.
Example
Notes
Up to 36 rectangular buttons can be on the screen (which are capable of being highlighted). In the case of wide screen content (with anamorphic, auto-letterbox, or auto pan & scan modes), only 18 buttons are allowed per screen (when two modes are used). Only 12 buttons are allowed per screen when all three modes are used.
A.2.21 InterActual.MajorVersion
Summary
This property returns the platform major version (e.g. if the API version is 1.03, it will return MajorVersion as “1”). This field can also be used to determine the parsing of certain bits in InterActual.SupportedFeatures.
Example
If API_MajorVers>1 . . .
A.2.22 InterActual.MinorVersion
Summary
This property returns the platform minor version (e.g. if the version is 1.03, it will return “03” for MinoorVersion). This field can also be used to determine the parsing of certain bits in InterActual.SupportedFeatures.
Example
API_MinorVers=InterActual.MinorVersion
A.2.23 InterActual.PlayerMode
Summary
If this is InterActual mode, then the system will play it as authored launching INDEX.HTM (see the API Directory Structure appendix for details). If he user specifies that the system should play discs in Play mode, then this will override how the disc was authored and always start in linear movie playback.
Example
mode=InterActual.PlayerMode
A.2.24 InterActual.MaxFast
Summary
Returns the maximum number of fast speeds.
Example
x=InterActual.MaxFast
A.2.25 InterActual.MaxFastReverse
Summary
Returns the maximum number of reverse fast speeds.
Example
x=InterActual.MaxFastReverse
A.2.26 InterActual.MediaID
Summary
Returns a unique identifier for the current disc side.
Example
discID=InterActual.MediaID
A.2.27 InterActual.DiscType
Summary
The DiscType property returns the disc format to the application.
Note:
some of these hybrid combinations may not exist in the market at this time.
Example
discInfo=InterActual.DiscType
A.2.28 InterActual.Bookmark
Summary
Returns the number of the bookmark for the current disc if it has been saved.
Example
If (CurBkMk==MyBkMk) // test to see if its mine InterActual.GotoBookmark
A.2.29 InterActual.ROMType
Summary
The ROMType property queries the type of ROM data that is contained on the DVD (e.g. the format of the HTML tags and JavaScript calls).
Example
Notes
Other data and programs may be on the discs as well, for instance, a Macintosh PCFriendly disc may contain platform specific code. It will be classified as PCFriendly if it meets the requirements above.
A.2.30 InterActual.InternetStatus
Summary
Additionally, some platforms may have no reliable method to establish the connection speed and return only a “4”.
Example
ConnectStatus=InterActual.InternetStatus
A.2.31 InterActual.FullScreenMode
Summary
Returns the current state of full screen mode.
Example
FulIScreenModeStatus=InterActual.FullScreenMode
A.3 Events
Events are integral to synchronizing DVD-Video with other media. With these events, web pages can be synchronized with the audio or video. For example, each ChapterEvent (start of new chapter) can trigger an HTML storyboard that corresponds to the movie. Time based events can be used to coordinate advertising messages in HTML while the video is playing: when James Bond is driving his BMW, an appropriate web page (BMW or auto sales site) can automatically be displayed at the same time.
The value of events is that these external media do NOT have to be embedded or even be known at the time the DVD-Video is authored. This flexibility keeps DVD-Video authoring on schedule and greatly minimizes the authoring costs while adding valuable and unique features to each disc.
Events can be used by the calling application (HTML/JavaScript, C++, or other) to receive notification of DVD playback status. There is an EventHandler function required which will switch on the event type index (see below) and call the appropriate function. If a platform does not support an event then an error code must be returned when its use is attempted. Here is an example of an event handler in JavaScript:
The following table lists the event indices that will be generated by the browser. There is a skip in the enumeration for advanced events and platform-specific events. We have reserved unique events for specific platforms like the PC or Macintosh.
There is a command enabling subscribing to events or unsubscribing to events (see Interactual.SubscribeToEvent listed in the command section).
The table lists event the index and which parameter is returned. The details for each event type and associated parameters follow, however TitleGroup and Slide are described in the DVD-Audio section of this document, as they are specific to DVD-Audio only.
The following list of InterActual API events must be supported and the number and meaning of the parameters they will receive is detailed. For example, the title event is index number 1 and a private function (such as TitleEvent) will receive one parameter (the others will be null) and it will be the new title number (see below for an explanation).
Sample Private Event Functions:
A.3.1 Title Event
Summary
Called when the title changes. Returns the new title number in titleNum.
Example
Trigger an event when playback reaches Title 3:
A.3.2 Chapter Event
Summary
Called when the chapter changes. Returns the new chapter number in chapterNum.
Example
Trigger an event when playback reaches chapter 2 of Title 1:
A.3.3 PGC Event
Summary
Called when the PGC changes. Returns the new PGC number in PGCNum.
Example
Trigger an event when playback reaches PGC 2 of Title 1:
A.3.4 Time Event
Summary
Called on a time change. Returns the elapsed time and total time, both in milliseconds.
Example
Trigger the display of a graphic when playback reaches 15 seconds of Title 1:
Notes
This event should trigger approximately every 900 milliseconds while in play mode.
A.3.5 Track Time Event
Summary
Called on a time change within the context of a CD track. Returns the elapsed time and total time (both in milliseconds).
Example
Trigger the display of a graphic when playback reaches 15 seconds into CD track 4:
Notes
This event should trigger approximately every 900 milliseconds while in play mode.
A.3.6 Track Event
Summary
Called when the track changes. Returns the new track number in trackNum.
Example
Trigger an event when playback reaches track 5:
A.3.7 Angle Event
Summary
Called on angle change. Returns the new angle number in angleNum.
Example
Trigger an event when angle number 3 is selected:
A.3.8 State Event.
Summary
Called on state change, e.g. when the play state changes from play to pause.
Example
Trigger an event when playback is paused:
A.3.9 Speed Event
Summary
Called on speed change, e.g. when changed from play to scanning. Returns the new speed information.
Example
Trigger an event when speed is changed:
A.3.10 UOP Event
Summary
Called when any UOP changes. Returns the new UOP fields.
Example
Trigger an event when PlayTime UOP is prohibited:
A.3.11 Domain Event
Summary
Called when the domain changes. Returns the new domain number.
Example
Trigger an event when domain changes to Title domain:
A.3.12 Audio Event
Summary
Called when there is a change in the audio stream number. Returns the new audio number in audioNum.
Example
Trigger an event when audio stream changes:
A.3.13 Subpicture Event
Summary
Called when there is a change in sub-pictures. Returns the new sub-picture number in subpictureNum.
Example
Trigger an event when sub-picture stream changes:
A.3.14 Parental Event
Summary
Called when parental control changes.
Example
Set the ParentalEvent and test when it triggers:
A.3.15 Region Event
Summary
Called when there is a mismatch in the region of the device and disc.
Example
Trigger an event when a region mismatch occurs:
A.3.16 Eject Event
Summary
Return parameters
Example
Trigger an event when the disc is ejected:
A.3.17 Insert Event
Summary
Return parameters
Example
Trigger an event when the disc is inserted:
A.3.18 GPRM Event
Summary
Called when a GPRM changes. Returns register number and register contents.
Example
Trigger an event when GPRM(15) changes:
A.3.19 Info Event
Summary
Return parameters
Example
Trigger an information request event because the RC button was pressed. In this case, if the title is 23, we will load a web page.
Notes
This event type, by default, is not subscribed to. It must be explicitly subscribed to using SubscribeToEvent.
A.3.20 RC Button Event
Summary
Called when a button on the remote control (RC) has been pressed. Returns the button number from the list below.
Example
Trigger an event based on button event.
Notes
This event type, by default, is not subscribed to. It must be explicitly subscribed to using SubscibeToEvent.
A.3.21 Number of Angles Event
Summary
Called when the total number of angles has changed. Returns the new total number of angles in totalNum.
Example
Trigger an event when the total number of angles is greater than 1:
A.3.22 Net Event
Summary
Called on state change of the network connectivity.
Example
After subscribing to this event and calling the NetConnect( ) interface, this event will trigger as the connection is being established:
Notes
This event type, by default, is not subscribed to. It must be explicitly subscribed to using SubscribeToEvent.
A.4 Interface applicability
The following matrix depicts the applicability of each component of the interface (commands, properties and events) depending upon the state of the system. An “X” indicates that the entity is executable in this state if the user operations (UOP bits) allow it; these bits are set by the disc content itself.
Stop state means no specific title is selected and on computers, the DVD navigator is not instantiated.
File open means the state reached when calling the advanced API “Open” command with a filename as the argument. In other words, the DVD navigator is instantiated and a file, not a DVD title, has been selected. Hence, the DVD navigation features are not available.
If the JavaScript calls InterActual.Open(“DVDVideo”) you will automatically transition to the Play state because First PGC will be played.
Note:
For the RC Button Event, the subtype of PlayHandler (20) will not be sent during playback (Play state or title domain) so that it can be used for resume functionality.
B The DVD-Audio Specific Interface
B.1 Commands
B.1.1 InterActual.PlayTitleGroup(g)
Summary
Start playback of the specified title group number.
Example
Notes
See also
InterActual.PlayTrack(g,t)
B.1.2 InterActual.NextSlide( )
Summary
Parameters
Example
InterActual.NextSlide( )
B.1.3 InterActual.PrevSlide( )
Summary
Parameters
Example
InterActual.PrevSiide( )
B.2 Properties
B.2.1 InterActual.TitleGroupNumber
Summary
Returns the currently playing title group number.
Example
Query the current title group number.
TitleGrpNum=InterActual.TitleGroupNumber
B.2.2 InterActual.SlideNumber
Summary
Return Value
Example
CurrSlideNumber=InterActual.SlideNumber
B.3 Events
B.3.1 Title Group Event
Summary
Called when the title group changes. Returns the new title group number in groupNum.
Example
Trigger an event when playback reaches Title Group 5:
B.3.2 Slide Event
Summary
Called when the slide/display list changes. Returns the new slide number in slideNum.
Example
Trigger an event when slide number 13 is reached:
B.4 Advanced Commands
B.4.1 InterActual.HiddenPlayGroup(x)
Summary
Play hidden group if the 4 digit key number is entered properly.
Example
See also
InterActual.HiddenPlayTime(h,m,s,x)
B.4.2 InterActual.HiddenPlayTrack(t,x)
Summary
Play the desired hidden or locked track within the hidden group specified
Example
See also
InterActual.HiddenPlayTime(h,m,s,x)
B.4.3 InterActual.HiddenPlayTime(h,m,s,x)
Summary
This command plays from specific time within the Hidden Group.
Example
InterActual.HiddenPlayTime(0,2,0,1234)
B.4.4 InterActual.SelectTextLanguage(n)
Summary
Selects the language for the Audio Text Data.
Example
InterActual.SelectTextLanguage(“en”)
C Advanced InterActual API
The interface described in this appendix are not required, however they can be implemented and an InterActual disc can interrogate the system using the SupportFeatures command to determine if the current device supports them.
C.1 Commands
C.1.1 InterActual.Open(filename|type)
Summary
Opens specified file name.
Example
Notes
Requires
Currently, this command is only available on a computer platform.
C.1.2 InterActual.Slow(x)
Summary
Play the current DVD at speed x where the x=2 is for ½ speed.
Example
Notes
If this command is used with a value not in the list, then the underlying software will approximate to the nearest available value (for instance 3 is specified and 4 is chosen) rather than return with an error code.
C.1.3 InterActual.Step(n)
Summary
This command steps playback of the DVD forward n frames.
Example
Notes
Supported Features should be checked first to determine if capability is supported.
C.1.4 InterActual.SlowReverse(x)
Summary
Play the current DVD at x speed in reverse (x=2 for ½ speed).
Example
Notes
Some players will only allow values such as 2, 4, 8, 16, etc. If this command is used with a value not in the list, then the underlying software will approximate to the nearest available value (for instance 3 is specified and 4 is chosen) rather than return with an error code.
C.1.5 InterActual.Zoom(x,y)
Summary
This command will zoom, or scale, by a percentage factor of x (horizontal) and y (vertical).
Example
Notes
Panning allows moving the center point of the portion of the image to be displayed. These x and y pan parameters are provided as a percentage of the display from −50% to +50% using integer values from −5000 to +5000. (This is done so that the differences between NTSC and PAL do not have to be calculated in pixels. Additionally, it may also be possible to use the same HTML code for handling 4:3 and 16:9 as well.) If the pan parameters would cause the display to pan off the edge of the video, then the platform software shall only set that panning parameter to the largest or smallest value that keeps the video in the display area.
C.1.6 InterActual.Pan(x,y)
Summary
This command will set the center point of the zoomed display to x,y coordinates based on the percentage of normal content full screen display.
Example
Notes
Panning allows moving the center point of the portion of the image to be displayed. These x and y pan parameters are provided as a percentage of the display from −50% to +50% using integer values from −5000 to +5000. (This is done so that the differences between NTSC and PAL do not have to be calculated in pixels. Additionally, it may also be possible to use the same HTML code for handling 4:3 and 16:9 as well.) If the pan parameters would cause the display to pan off the edge of the video, then the platform software shall only set that panning parameter to the largest or smallest value that keeps the video in the display area.
C.1.7 InterActual.EnableCCText(n)
Summary
Enables or disables closed captioning
Example
InterActual.EnableCCText(1)
C.1.8 InterActual.MenuLanguage(n, rc)
Summary
Returns the menu language character code for the specified menu language.
Example
MenuLanguage=InterActual.MenuLanguage(1)
C.1.9 InterActual.SelectMenuLanguage(n)
Summary
Selects the language for the Video or Audio Manager Menu according to the language code (n).
Example
InterActual.SelectMenuLanguage(“en”)
C.1.10 InterActual.SelectParentalCountry(n)
Summary
Selects the country for the parental level.
Example
Notes
This command is only available in Stop State.
C.1.11 InterActual.SelectKaraoke(x)
Summary
This command changes the audio mode for Karaoke.
Example
InterActual.SelectKaraoke(3)
C.1.12 InterActual.SetMixVolume(x)
Summary
This command sets the primary audio stream volume level to percentage x to allow over-mixing.
Example
InterActual.SetMixVolume(50)
C.1.13 InterActual.CloseO
Summary
Parameters
Example
Notes
This is a computer only command. A consumer electronics device should treat this command as InterActutal.Stop( ).
C.1.14 InterActual.ShowControls( )
Summary
Parameters
Example
Notes
This is a computer only command. A consumer electronics device should ignore this command. The coordinate system for both PC and Macintosh will be defined with top left as 0,0 with x moving from top left to top right and y moving from top left to bottom left.
C.1.15 InterActual.HideControls( )
Summary
Parameters
Example
Notes
This is a computer only command. A consumer electronics device should ignore this command. The coordinate system for both PC and Macintosh will be defined with top left as 0,0 with x moving from top left to top right and y moving from top left to bottom left.
C.1.16 InterActual.ShowContextMenu(mask)
Summary
Controls the right mouse click context menu that displays on a computer.
Example
Notes
This is a computer only command. A consumer electronics device should ignore this command.
C.1.17 InterActual.PopUpMenu(n,x,y)
Summary
Displays and allows the audio languages, sub-pictures, and angles to be set to those currently available.
Example
Notes
This is a computer only command. A consumer electronics device should ignore this command. The coordinate system for both PC and Macintosh will be defined with top left as 0,0 with x moving from top left to top right and y moving from top left to bottom left.
C.1.18 InterActual.SuppressErrors(b)
Summary
Suppresses display of error messages.
Example
Notes
This is a computer only command. A consumer electronics device should ignore this command.
C.1.19 InterActual.AutoMouseHide(b)
Summary
Show or hide the mouse cursor when the DVD is playing (this is a toggle control). This method is for computers only.
Example
Notes
By default, hiding of the mouse cursor occurs 2 seconds after no activity. This method is for computers only.
C.1.20 InterActual.OpenDrive( )
Summary
Parameters
Example
Notes
If the device is playing the playback must first be stopped before the media can be ejected.
C.1.21 InterActual.Launch(a, p)
Summary
This command provides the ability to launch an application co-located on the disc.
Example
Notes
Note: The ability to launch another application from the JavaScript is both a valuable feature and a potential exposure to system security. As such, this command must be limited to launch only files from the disc directory (as derived from the DiscDirectory property)
C.1.22 InterActual.PresentationMode(a,m)
Summary
This command sets the aspect ratio to either wide screen (16:9) versus full frame (4:3), and the preference for the video display mode when displaying 16:9 material on a 4:3 display.
Example
Notes
If the mode is not available on the disc, for instance no wide screen 16:9 content, then this command will return a “−3”, not supported.
C.1.23 InterActual.Print(f)
Summary
This command provides the ability to print a file.
Example
Print the file Screenplay.txt from the disc.
InterActual.Print(ddir+“/EXTRAS/”+“screenplay.txt”);
C.1.24 InterActual.PlayPeriodInTitleAutoStop(t,sh,sm,ss,sf,eh,em,es,ef)
Summary
This command is similar to PlayTimeAutoStop however it supports the use of frames versus milliseconds (as in hh:mm:ss:ff). It starts playback in the specified title number (t) at the specified start time in hours (sh), minutes (sm), seconds (ss) and frames (sf) and ends at the specified end time (using the same variables for hours, minutes, seconds and frames: eh, em, es, ef). For DVD-Audio, the first parameter represents the title group number (t).
Examples
Requires
DVD-Video: This command requires that the UOP0 operation be permitted.
C.2 Properties
C.2.1 InterActual.CurrentMenuLanguage
Summary
Returns the current menu language.
Example
MyLanguage=InterActual.CurrentMenu Language
C.2.2 InterActual.TotalNumMenuLanguage
Summary
Returns the total number of menu languages available.
Example
NumberMenuLang=InterActual.TotalNumMenuLanguage
C.2.3 InterActual.ParentalCountry
Summary
Returns the current parental country level.
Example
PCountry=InterActual.ParentalCountry
C.2.4 InterActual.CCTextStatus
Summary
Returns the status of closed captioning.
Example
CCstatus=InterActual.CCTextStatus
C.2.5 InterActual.CCText
Summary
Return Value
Example
CCstring=InterActual.CCText
C.2.6 InterActual.MaxSlow
Summary
Returns the maximum number of slow speeds supported.
Example
Notes
This will return zero (0) if there are no slow speeds supported.
C.2.7 InterActual.MaxSlowReverse
Summary
Returns the maximum number of reverse slow speeds supported.
Example
Notes
This will return zero (0) if there are no reverse slow speeds supported.
C.2.8 InterActual.DiscRegion
Summary
Returns the region code for the DVD.
Example
regionCode=InterActual.DiscRegion
C.2.9 InterActual.DiscDirectory
Summary
Returns the full path name corresponding to the location of the currently inserted disc's root directory (computer only). Hence, for a PC, we would expect “D:\” in most cases if the DVD-ROM is on drive D.
Example
Notes
Some platforms may be case sensitive in the file and directory names. If this property is parsed and manipulated, the programmer should adhere to the specific platform standards.
C.2.10 InterActual.LocalDirectory
Summary
Returns full path of the location corresponding to the local InterActual player (computer only). On a PC, we would expect to see “C:/Program Files/InterActual/InterActual Player/” if it is installed on drive C.
Example
installedPath=InterActual.LocalDirectory
Notes
Some platforms may be case sensitive in the file and directory names. If this property is parsed and manipulated, the programmer should adhere to the specific platform standards.
C.2.11 InterActual.CurrentZoomX
Summary
Returns the current zoom x value
Example
x=InterActual.CurrentZoomX
C.2.12 InterActual.CurrentZoomY
Summary
Returns the current zoom y value
Example
y=InterActual.CurrentZoomY
C.2.13 InterActual.CurrentPanX
Summary
Returns the current Pan x value.
Example
x=InterActual.CurrentPanX
C.2.14 InterActual.CurrentPanY
Summary
Returns the current Pan y value.
Example
y=InterActual.CurrentPanY
C.2.15 InterActual.MixVolume
Summary
Returns the current primary audio stream volume level as a percentage of full volume.
Example
MixVolume_percentage=InterActual.MixVolume
C.2.16 InterActual.FramesPerSecond
Summary
Returns the video frame rate for the current DVD title correlating to NTSC/SECAM or PAL television frame rates.
Example
TV_TYPE=InterActual.FramesPerSecond
C.3 Events
Sample private advanced event functions
C.3.1 Mouse Event
Summary
Called when the user clicks either the left or right mouse button based on the video coordinates. Returns mouse button number and coordinates.
Example
Trigger an event when user clicks the mouse:
Notes
The coordinate system for both PC and Macintosh will be defined with top left as 0, 0 with x moving from top left to top right and y moving from top left to bottom left.
C.3.2 Menu Button Event
Summary
Return parameters
Example
Trigger an event based on button event.
C.3.3 Karaoke Event
Summary
Called when a Karaoke event changes.
Example
Set the KaraokeEvent and test when it triggers:
C.3.4 Still Event
Summary
Called when Still state changes, e.g. when change of state from StillOn to StillOff or vice versa.
Example
Trigger an event when Still state changes:
C.3.5 CC Text Event
Summary
Return parameters
Example
Trigger an event when the CC Text changes:
C.3.6 FullScreen Event (PC Only)
Summary
Called when video transitions from full screen to windowed mode and vice versa.
Notes
This event is also thrown when playback is stopped (returning a “0”). It is expected that the event monitor code will call HideControls( ) upon receiving a return of “0” and will call ShowControls( ) upon receiving a return of “1”.
Example
Trigger an event when changing from full screen video to windowed mode:
The present patent document is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/136,627, filed May 23, 2005, of Lankin et al, entitled TWO NAVIGATION, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/935,756, filed Aug. 21, 2001, which is: a non-provisional of provisional appl. Ser. No. 60/226,758, filed Aug. 21, 2000; and a non-provisional of provisional appl. Ser. No. 60/246,652, filed Nov. 7, 2000; and a non-provisional of provisional appl. Ser. No. 60/251,965, filed Dec. 5, 2000; and a non-provisional of provisional appl. Ser. No. 60/259,075, filed Dec. 29, 2000; and a non-provisional of provisional appl. Ser. No. 60/302,778, filed Jul. 2, 2001; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/644,669, filed Aug. 24, 2000, which is a non-provisional of provisional appl. Ser. No. 60/220,397 filed Jul. 24, 2000; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/649,215, filed Aug. 28, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/644,669, filed Aug. 24, 2000, which is a non-provisional of provisional appl. Ser. No. 60/220,397, filed Jul. 24, 2000; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/295,856, filed Apr. 21, 1999; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/296,202, filed Apr. 21, 1999; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/296,098, filed Apr. 21, 1999; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/295,688, filed Apr. 21, 1999; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/295,964, filed Apr. 21, 1999; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/295,689, filed Apr. 21, 1999; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/295,826, filed Apr. 21, 1999; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/476,190, filed Jan. 3, 2000; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/488,345, filed Jan. 20, 2000; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/488,337, filed Jan. 20, 2000; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/488,143, filed Jan. 20, 2000; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/488,613, filed Jan. 20, 2000; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/488,155, filed Jan. 20, 2000; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/489,600, filed Jan. 20, 2000; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/488,614, filed Jan. 20, 2000; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/489,601, filed Jan. 20, 2000; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/489,597, filed Jan. 20, 2000; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/489,596, filed Jan. 20, 2000; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/499,247, filed Feb. 7, 2000; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/898,479, filed Jul. 2, 2001, which is a non-provisional of provisional patent appl. Ser. No. 60/216,822, filed Jul. 7, 2000; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/912,079, filed Jul. 24, 2001, which is a non-provisional of provisional patent appl. Ser. No. 60/220,400, filed Jul. 24, 2000. All of the above-referenced patent documents are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60226758 | Aug 2000 | US | |
| 60246652 | Nov 2000 | US | |
| 60251965 | Dec 2000 | US | |
| 60259075 | Dec 2000 | US | |
| 60302778 | Jul 2001 | US | |
| 60220397 | Jul 2000 | US | |
| 60220400 | Jul 2000 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11136627 | May 2005 | US |
| Child | 11278401 | Mar 2006 | US |
| Parent | 09935756 | Aug 2001 | US |
| Child | 11136627 | May 2005 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 09644669 | Aug 2000 | US |
| Child | 11136627 | May 2005 | US |
| Parent | 09649215 | Aug 2000 | US |
| Child | 11136627 | May 2005 | US |
| Parent | 09644669 | Aug 2000 | US |
| Child | 09649215 | Aug 2000 | US |
| Parent | 09295856 | Apr 1999 | US |
| Child | 09935756 | US | |
| Parent | 09296202 | Apr 1999 | US |
| Child | 09935756 | US | |
| Parent | 09296098 | Apr 1999 | US |
| Child | 09935756 | US | |
| Parent | 09295688 | Apr 1999 | US |
| Child | 09935756 | US | |
| Parent | 09295964 | Apr 1999 | US |
| Child | 09935756 | US | |
| Parent | 09295689 | Apr 1999 | US |
| Child | 09935756 | US | |
| Parent | 09295826 | Apr 1999 | US |
| Child | 09935756 | US | |
| Parent | 09476190 | Jan 2000 | US |
| Child | 09935756 | US | |
| Parent | 09488345 | Jan 2000 | US |
| Child | 09935756 | US | |
| Parent | 09488337 | Jan 2000 | US |
| Child | 09935756 | US | |
| Parent | 09488143 | Jan 2000 | US |
| Child | 09935756 | US | |
| Parent | 09488613 | Jan 2000 | US |
| Child | 09935756 | US | |
| Parent | 09488155 | Jan 2000 | US |
| Child | 09935756 | US | |
| Parent | 09489600 | Jan 2000 | US |
| Child | 09935756 | US | |
| Parent | 09488614 | Jan 2000 | US |
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| Parent | 09489601 | Jan 2000 | US |
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| Parent | 09489597 | Jan 2000 | US |
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| Parent | 09499247 | Feb 2000 | US |
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| Parent | 09898479 | Jul 2001 | US |
| Child | 09935756 | US | |
| Parent | 09912079 | Jul 2001 | US |
| Child | 09935756 | US |
