Playback of applications with non-linear time

Abstract

A data playback apparatus ( 14 ) and method for the operation of the same, for the handling of a recorded data stream and associated linear application, are provided. The apparatus includes a data stream playback stage ( 19 ) operable to perform linear real-time and non-linear playback of a stored data stream from storage ( 18 ). An application processing stage ( 16 ) runs a linear application from a given start point on commencement of linear real-time playback of the data stream. To avoid problems where the application is unsuited to the non-linearity, the application processing stage ( 16 ) stops running of said application and, on recommencing of linear real-time playback, recommences running of the application from the given start point.

1 . A method for the handling of a recorded data stream and associated linear application, comprising the acts of:
 commencing linear real-time playback of said data stream and commencing running of said linear application from a start point thereof;   on entering a non-linear playback phase, stopping running of said application; and   on recommencing of linear real-time playback of said data stream, recommencing running of said linear application from said start point.   
     
     
         2 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said application is not stopped from running when playback of the recorded data stream enters a non-linear phase if a predetermined indication to this effect is detected in the recorded data stream. 
     
     
         3 . A method as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said predetermined indication further identifies a subset of a larger number of possible non-linear playback activities as those for which the running of the application should not be stopped, with the running of the application being stopped when playback of the data stream in said non-linear phase involves an activity outside said subset. 
     
     
         4 . The method as claimed  claim 1 , wherein the running of said application requires loading and use of one or more resources, the method further comprising the acts of checking prior to recommencing running as to whether said one or more resources are still loaded and, if so, using said one or more resources which are still loaded. 
     
     
         5 . The method as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein use of said one or more resources involves a verification procedure, wherein the verification procedure is not repeated on recommencing running if it is determined that said one or more resources are still loaded. 
     
     
         6 . A data playback apparatus for the handling of a recorded data stream and associated linear application, comprising:
 storage means holding said recorded data stream and data defining said associated linear application;   a data stream playback stage operable to perform linear real-time and non-linear playback of said data stream from said storage means;   an application processing stage operable to read said data defining said associated linear application from said storage means and run said linear application from a start point thereof on commencement of linear real-time playback by said data stream playback stage;   the application processing stage being arranged, on entering of a non-linear playback phase by said data stream playback stage, to stop running of said application and on recommencing of linear real-time playback of said data stream, to recommence running of said linear application from said start point.   
     
     
         7 . The data playback apparatus as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein said data stream playback stage is further operable to generate a menu display for output to a display device, the apparatus further comprising user operable input means for identifying a selection from said menu to the apparatus. 
     
     
         8 . The data playback apparatus as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the application processing stage is operable to perform tasks other than stopping running of said application on the data stream playback stage entering said non-linear playback phase, with the selection of one or more of such tasks being made available to a user via said menu. 
     
     
         9 . The data playback apparatus as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein said data stream playback stage generates said menu on entering said non-linear phase. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the act of providing a notice that the entering of the non-linear playback phase will result in restarting or killing the linear application. 
     
     
         11 . The data playback apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising means for providing a notice that the entering of the non-linear playback phase will result in restarting or killing the linear application.