BD-J Application Control Layer Segmentation for Playback Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The operation of applications created by Java™ programming in BD-ROM playback apparatuses is unstable, leading to start-up failures and abnormal terminations, which can result in the apparatus freezing and displaying a black screen, posing a quality issue in consumer products.

Innovation Solution

A recording medium that records an application, digital stream, and management information, where the application's life cycle is specified, and management information defines playback control of the digital stream during execution, ensuring continuous playback even if the application fails to start or terminates abnormally.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If Java programming is used to control BD-ROM playback apparatus, then the apparatus becomes more versatile and adaptable, but the operation stability deteriorates leading to start-up failures and abnormal terminations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicable control capabilityVSAvoidoperation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control system into two independent parts: a Java-based application layer for versatile control functions and a native C++ layer for critical playback control. This segmentation allows the Java application to provide adaptability while the native layer ensures operational stability, preventing Java crashes from causing complete system failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary native C++ control layer that mediates between the Java application and the playback system. This intermediary handles critical playback control functions natively, acting as a buffer that prevents Java application failures from directly impacting system reliability while maintaining versatility through Java's adaptable control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If Java application is executed for playback control, then the control functionality is enhanced, but the risk of black-out and freezing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayback control functionalityVSAvoidblack-out and freezing risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by preparing a native C++ playback control layer in advance that can take over immediately if the Java application fails. This pre-prepared fallback mechanism cushions against the harmful effects of Java application crashes, preventing black-outs and freezing while maintaining enhanced playback control functionality through Java's versatile control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the execution parameter of critical control functions from Java bytecode to native machine code. By executing playback control functions natively rather than through Java interpretation, the system maintains the enhanced control functionality of Java applications while eliminating the instability and crash risks associated with Java execution in resource-constrained environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If resource allocation is increased for Java application execution, then the application performance improves, but the system becomes more vulnerable to resource exhaustion and abnormal termination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication execution performanceVSAvoidresource exhaustion vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments resource allocation between Java and native components, assigning Java resources for high-level control logic and native resources for critical playback functions. This segmentation allows Java applications to achieve good performance with limited resources while the native layer handles resource-intensive playback operations, reducing overall vulnerability to resource exhaustion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs disposable Java application instances that can be easily created and destroyed without significant resource overhead. These short-living Java objects provide enhanced control functionality when needed but can be quickly discarded if they fail, preventing resource exhaustion while maintaining application execution performance through efficient resource turnover.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS7565062B2Recording medium, reproduction device, program, reproduction method, and system integrated circuit

Publication Date: 2009.07.21 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP

AI summary

The BD-ROM includes, recorded therein, a PlayList that is composed of an AVClip and PlayList information, an application, and a BD-J Object. The application is a program that is written in a programming language for a virtual machine, and a life cycle during which the application can be executed by the virtual machine is specified. The BD-J Object contains a PlayList management table. The PlayList management table indicates a playback control of the PlayList that is performed during the life cycle simultaneously with the execution of the application.