Method for processing information parts of recorded data

Abstract

The method, device and medium according to the invention provide (restricted) forward compatibility to higher device/medium versions. It is provided a defined behavior of an older device, if it has to handle information of a higher version number than supported by itself. A device according to the invention is able to provide restricted (e.g. playback) functionality of its records to older devices. So, a newer device is assured, that older devices will not damage the additionally stored information: This is important, because only a newer device is able to understand these additional information, and to process it correctly.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Method A method for processing information parts of recorded data recorded on a recording medium, wherein each information part is provided with an information part version number, said information part version number indicating the a version of a standard to which the information part complies, wherein each information part may have a different version number, and processing being performed in compliance with a version of said standard being indicated by a processing version number, for processing wherein different processing types being are available for processing, the method comprising the steps of:
 reading, from the recording medium, the information part version number of an information part, 
 comparing the read information part version number with the processing version number, 
 if the read information part version number is lower than or equal to the processing version number, permitting every processing type to be performed, else if the read information part version number is higher than the processing version number, permitting only the following processing types to be performed:
 reading the information part but not appending or editing the information part thereby preventing destruction of an information part characteristics that complies comply with a version of the standard having the information part version number, but does do not comply with a version of the standard having the processing version number, or 
 editing the information part and providing the information part with a new information part version number, wherein the information part version number is decreased in case that during processing an information part has such characteristics have been removed, which makes compliance to with a version of the standard having the information part version number necessary, 
 
 processing the information part using said allowed processing types, and 
 recording the processed information part on the recording medium. 
 
     
     
       2. Method The method according to  claim 1 , wherein
 performing processing is performed for at least one information part according to a version of the standard having a lower version number than the processing version number if the read information part version number is lower than the processing version number. 
 
     
     
       3. Method The method according to  claim 1 , wherein
 permitting a processing type is permitted to be performed in case a difference between the information part version number and the processing version number being different but this difference does not exceeding exceed a predefined value. 
 
     
     
       4. Method The method according to  claim 1 , wherein, after processing,
 providing a processed information part is provided with a new information part version number, said information part version number indicating the lowest version of the standard to which the processed information part complies, 
 transmittingand said processed information part is transmitted. 
 
     
     
       5. Method The method according to  claim 1 , wherein
 providing different kinds of information part version numbers are provided to a single information part for different kinds of processing types. 
 
     
     
       6. Reading and/or A reading or recording device for performing the method of  claim 1 .