JP2006019781A - Contents reproducing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a contents reproducing apparatus capable of properly executing reproduction operations without affecting a delay time for signal processing. <P>SOLUTION: A two-way wireless communication means interconnects the contents reproducing apparatus 101 and a monitor 102. The monitor 102 is provided with a reproduction control buffer 111 for storing contents data for a prescribed time, the contents reproducing apparatus 101 wirelessly transmits the contents data reproduced from a data storage means 103 to the monitor 102, stores the data to the reproduction control buffer 111 and reads and displays the data on an LCD 115. In this case, status information of write processing operations of the reproduction control buffer 111 is transmitted to the contents reproducing apparatus 101 to synchronize the data reproduction operations from the data storage means 103 with write processing operations of the reproduction control buffer 111. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention provides, for example, two-way communication between a content playback device that can read and output content data stored in advance in a storage medium and a monitor device that presents video and audio based on the content data by means of communication means. The present invention relates to a content reproduction apparatus configured to be connected so that content data reproduced by a content reproduction device is transmitted to a monitor by a communication means and presented.

  Conventionally, for example, content data reproduction that can be reproduced by outputting content data stored in a DVD or content data stored in the HDD, which has a built-in DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) drive or HDD (Hard Disk Drive), for example. Content data played back on a content data playback device by connecting the device and a monitor, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), installed at a position distant from the content data playback device by wireless communication means A system that is configured to transmit wirelessly to a liquid crystal display panel and present it is emerging on the market.

  In such a system, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) is applied as a wireless communication means, and bidirectional communication is possible between the content supply source and the monitor. As a result, a control signal for selecting a medium storing data from the monitor side and selecting a content to be reproduced from the contents (titles) stored in the selected medium. To reproduce desired content, receive the reproduced content via wireless communication means, and present (view) it.

  For example, even when special playback such as fast forward playback or reverse fast forward playback is performed while viewing content on the monitor, the user controls the playback operation by sending a control signal to the content playback device via wireless communication means. Is configured to do.

  In a content reproduction device, for example, when content is reproduced from a DVD using a DVD drive, the content to be reproduced is formatted based on MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) 2-PS (Program Stream). On the other hand, when transmitting by wireless communication means, since it is transmitted to the monitor side as MPEG2-TS (Transport Stream), the reproduced MPEG2-PS is converted into MPEG2-TS in the content reproduction device. Processing needs to be executed.

  This conversion process takes a predetermined time, and requires a considerable amount of time together with the processing time required for wireless communication of the control signal.

  Therefore, since it takes a short time from sending a control signal for executing special reproduction until it is reproduced and transmitted to the monitor, it is difficult to execute special reproduction smoothly. there were.

  Further details will be described. FIG. 5 shows a circuit block of a general content playback apparatus using a bidirectional wireless communication means. FIG. 5 (a) shows a content playback device 501 and FIG. 5 (b) shows a monitor 502. .

  The content playback device 501 includes a data storage medium 503 in which content data is stored. The content playback device 501 plays back the content data from the data storage medium 503 via an ATA (AT Attachment) I / F (Interface) 504 and MPEG codec 505. Output to.

  The MPEG codec 505 temporarily converts the MPEG2-PS into non-compressed digital data, sends it to the MPEG encoder 506, encodes it here to generate MPEG2-TS, and outputs this to the wireless transmission / reception module 507.

  The wireless transmission / reception module 507 converts the transmitted MPEG2-TS into a wireless frame and transmits it from the transmission / reception antenna 508.

  Also, the wireless transmission / reception module 507 receives a remote control signal from the monitor 502 and monitor operation status information by the transmission / reception antenna 508, and sends this to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 509. The playback operation is controlled by the CPU 09, and each circuit portion in the content playback device 501 is controlled.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the monitor 502 receives the frame-converted MPEG2-TS sent from the transmission / reception antenna 508 of the playback device 501 by the transmission / reception antenna 510, converts the radio frame by the transmission / reception module 511, and converts the MPEG2-TS. And output to the MPEG decoder 512.

  The MPEG decoder 512 extracts the PES constituting the program from the MPEG2-TS, decodes it, and outputs it to the video processor 513. In the video processor 513, the digital video signal from the MPEG decoder 512 is converted into a standard television format signal and supplied to the display controller 514. The display controller 514 is a display 515 composed of a liquid crystal panel or the like based on the television video signal. To display the video.

  The monitor 502 is provided with a remote control light receiving unit 516 that receives a remote control signal from a remote controller (not shown). The remote control signal received by the remote control light receiving unit 516 is supplied to the CPU 517 and controls each circuit portion in the monitor 502.

  A remote control signal related to the content reproduction device 501 is transmitted from the CPU 517 to the wireless transmission / reception module 511, subjected to wireless frame conversion processing, and transmitted from the transmission / reception antenna 510 to the content reproduction device 501. In addition, the CPU 517 sends status information indicating the operation state of the monitor 502 to the wireless transmission / reception module 511, performs frame conversion processing here, and transmits the frame conversion processing from the transmission / reception antenna 510 to the content reproduction device 501.

  The operation timing of the content playback apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, the solid line 601 indicates the time course of the playback process when the user inputs a playback start event.

  If the user operates a remote controller (not shown) and inputs a playback event, the CPU 517 of the monitor 502 receives it and sends a remote control signal to the wireless transmission / reception module 511. The wireless transmission / reception module 511 performs wireless frame conversion processing. Do.

  Next, the wireless transmission / reception module 511 wirelessly transmits a remote control signal to the playback device 501, and the playback device 501 restores the transmitted remote control signal to the original by wireless frame conversion processing.

  Next, the playback device 501 decodes the remote control signal by the CPU 509 and recognizes that the remote control signal is for executing the playback operation. Thereby, the CPU 509 makes full use of the ATAI / F 504 to access the data storage medium 503 and read the content data.

  Further, after the read content data is once converted into non-compressed data by the MPEG codec 505, the MPEG encoder 506 performs stream conversion processing to MPEG2-TS.

  Next, the converted MPEG2-TS is supplied to the wireless transmission / reception module 507, where the wireless frame conversion is performed, and then the wireless transmission is performed to the monitor 502.

  In the monitor 502, the radio frame is converted, and then the stream decoding process is executed and further processed by the video processor to be displayed on the display. Thereby, the user can check the screen.

  A predetermined processing time is spent in the course of processing from when the user inputs a playback event until the video of the content data stored in the data storage medium 503 is displayed on the display 515. FIG. 6 shows that Ta time is required.

  As described above, conventionally, when content data stored in a data storage medium of a playback device is to be played back by an instruction from the monitor side, in addition to the time for performing content decoding processing and encoding processing, wireless Processing time for communication is necessary, and a considerable amount of time has passed before the content is actually displayed on the display, which is a problem. In particular, when executing special reproduction, the speed of response is important, but it takes time for signal processing, and it is difficult to execute appropriate special reproduction.

Conventionally, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a proposal that uses a buffering technique in a DVD player to output sub-picture display and audio reproduction without delay. This technology converges in the DVD recorder, and cannot be applied as it is to a content playback apparatus configured to connect a content playback device and a monitor by wireless communication.
JP 2003-46960 A

  As described above, conventionally, when a content playback device and a monitor are connected by wireless communication means and special playback is executed by an instruction from the monitor, it is difficult to perform appropriate playback.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and a buffer for storing MPEG2-TS sent from a playback device for a predetermined period is provided on the monitor side, and this buffer is controlled for special playback. It is an object of the present invention to provide a content playback apparatus that can ensure responsiveness and perform appropriate special playback by reading the data.

  The content reproduction apparatus according to the present invention includes a reading unit that reads content data from a data storage medium in which the content data is stored, and a communication that transmits the content data read by the reading unit and receives control information sent thereto. Presenting a playback device having a means, a buffer means capable of storing the content data sent from the playback device via a communication means for a predetermined period, and outputting the content data. And a playback device that controls the reproduction of the content data presented by the presenting means by controlling reading of the content data stored in the buffer means, and the playback device via the communication means Reading from the data storage medium and writing to the monitor buffer means And control means for synchronizing the viewing process, characterized by comprising a.

  According to the present invention, desired special reproduction can be appropriately executed.

  Hereinafter, a content reproduction apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram showing an embodiment of a content reproduction apparatus of the present invention. A content playback apparatus 100 according to the present invention includes a playback device 101 that plays back content data and a monitor 102 that is presented to view the content played back on the playback device 101. FIG. The device 101 is shown, and FIG.

  In FIG. 1A, the playback device 101 includes a data storage medium 103 in which content data is stored in advance, and an ATA I / F 104 that reads content data from the data storage medium 103.

  Content data read by the ATAI / F 104 is converted into MPEG2-TS by the MPEG converter 105 and supplied to the wireless transmission / reception module 106.

  The wireless transmission / reception module 106 converts the MPEG2-TS into a radio frame and transmits it to the monitor 102 via the transmission / reception antenna 107.

  The wireless transmission / reception module 106 receives the remote control signal from the monitor 102 or the operation status information of the monitor by the transmission / reception antenna 107 and sends it to the CPU 108. The CPU 108 starts the playback operation and controls each circuit portion in the playback device 101.

  In addition, the CPU 108 sends status information indicating the operating state of the playback device 101 to the wireless transmission / reception module 106, converts the wireless frame, and transmits it to the monitor 102 via the transmission / reception antenna 107.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the monitor 102 receives the MPEG2-TS, which has been subjected to radio frame conversion sent from the transmission / reception antenna 107 of the playback device 101, by the transmission / reception antenna 109, and performs radio frame conversion processing by the radio transmission / reception module 110. And return to MPEG2-TS and output to the reproduction control buffer 111.

  The playback control buffer 111 is a circular buffer that has a function of buffering a fixed amount of frames as video data at all times. For example, the playback control buffer 111 includes a plurality of frames that are temporally forward and backward with respect to the current playback point. Data is accumulated, and details will be described later.

  The output of the reproduction control buffer 111 is supplied to the MPEG decoder 112, and the PES constituting the program is extracted from the MPEG2-TS, decoded, and output to the video processor 113.

  The video processor 113 converts the digital video data from the MPEG decoder 112 into a signal of a standard television format and supplies it to the display controller 114. The display controller 114 displays a display 115 made of a liquid crystal panel or the like based on the television signal. To display the video.

  The monitor 102 is provided with a remote control light receiving unit 116 that receives a remote control signal from a remote controller (not shown). The remote control signal received by the remote control light receiving unit 116 is supplied to the CPU 117 and controls each circuit portion in the monitor 102.

  A remote control signal related to the playback device 101 is supplied from the CPU 117 to the wireless transmission / reception module 110, converted to a wireless frame, and transmitted from the transmission / reception antenna 109 to the playback device 101.

  Further, the CPU 117 sends status information indicating the operation state of the monitor 102 to the wireless transmission / reception module 110, converts the wireless frame, and transmits it to the playback device 101 via the transmission / reception antenna 109.

  Note that the receiver 101 and the monitor 102 do not show a circuit block for processing audio data, but this is a result of measures taken to make the explanation easy to understand, and the data stored in the data storage medium 103 Includes video data and audio data, and the MPEG2-TS output from the MPEG converter 105 also includes video data and audio data.

  Further, the monitor 102 is provided with a circuit block for processing the audio data decoded by the MPEG decoder 112 and an audio output means such as a speaker for outputting the audio signal as audio, but is omitted. Yes.

  Now, in the content playback apparatus 100 configured as described above, if a user operates a remote controller (not shown) to input a playback event, the signal is transmitted from the remote control light receiving unit 116 to the CPU 117, and the CPU 117 In response to this, both the remote control signal and the operation status information are supplied to the wireless transmission / reception module 110.

The wireless transmission / reception module 110 converts it into a wireless frame and transmits it from the transmission / reception antenna 109.
In the playback device 101, the information transmitted from the monitor 102 is received by the wireless transmission / reception module 106 via the transmission / reception antenna 107, where the wireless frame conversion is performed to restore the original remote control signal and the operation status information, which is converted into the CPU 108. To supply.

  In response to this, the CPU 108 controls to sequentially read the data stored in the data storage medium 103 via the ATA I / F 111. Data read from the data storage medium 103 is converted into MPEG2-TS by the MPEG converter 105 and sent to the wireless transmission / reception module 106, where it is subjected to wireless frame conversion processing and sent from the transmission / reception antenna 107.

  In the monitor 102, data transmitted from the playback device 101 is received by the transmission / reception antenna 109, subjected to wireless frame processing by the wireless transmission / reception module 110, returned to the original MPEG2-TS, and stored in the playback control buffer 111.

  The reproduction control buffer 111 stores data in a state where the frame can be managed by the CPU 117 and can be accessed at random. The reproduction control buffer 111 is configured so that data writing and reading can be executed asynchronously.

  The video data stored in the playback control buffer 111 is displayed on the LCD 115 via the MPEG decoder 112, the video processor 113, and the LCD controller 114. The video displayed on the LCD 115 is fast-forward playback and reverse When performing special playback such as fast-forward playback, the user operates a remote controller (not shown) and inputs an event for special playback. In response to this, the CPU 117 reads out the data stored in the reproduction control buffer 111 in accordance with the requested special reproduction mode and sends it to the MPEG decoder 112.

  That is, in fast forward playback, frames other than I (Intra) pictures are appropriately thinned to shorten the time axis and sent to the MPEG decoder 112. In reverse fast forward playback, the same processing is performed so that the time is reversed, and the processed data is This is supplied to the MPEG decoder 112. As a result, the target special playback video can be displayed on the LCD 115 via the video processor 113 and the LCD controller 114.

  Note that data is stored in the data storage medium 103 of the playback device 101 in a state where the CPU 108 can access in units of frames, and when data is read, playback is performed according to operation status information sent from the monitor 102 by wireless communication. The control buffer 111 is configured to be synchronized with data writing.

  For example, when data compressed in MPEG2 GOP (Group Of Picture) format is stored in the data storage medium 103, PTS (Presentation Time Stamp) in the data stream stored in the data storage medium 103 and playback control The PTS in the data stream stored in the buffer 111 is synchronized in units of 15 frames, and buffering is performed while maintaining the continuity of reproduced data.

  In this way, since special playback is executed using the data stored in the playback control buffer 111 of the monitor 102, special playback can be performed without considering time delay. Since the reading of the data stored in the data storage medium 103 and the writing of data from the reproduction control buffer 111 are synchronized, continuity can be maintained.

  Note that the playback device 101 can also be configured to change the transmission rate of content data sent to the monitor 102 in accordance with the status information from the monitor 102. With such a configuration, when a title is newly reproduced, the transmission rate can be increased, and the filling of data into the reproduction control buffer 111 and the image output on the LCD 115 can be accelerated.

  FIG. 2 shows a conceptual diagram of buffering by the reproduction control buffer 111. The reproduction control buffer 111 is a circular buffer, and the area shown in a ring shape indicates the total capacity of the buffer. FIG. 2 (a) is for explaining forward reproduction, and FIG. 2 (b) is for backward reproduction.

  In FIG. 2A, the playback pointer (Play Pointer) indicates the data (frame position) currently being played back, and the write pointer (Write Pointer) writes the latest input data input to the playback control buffer 111. Indicates the position. The read end pointer (Read End Pointer) indicates the oldest data position of the buffered data area, and the capacity of data in which the area indicated by the write pointer and the read end pointer is buffered with the playback pointer interposed therebetween. Indicates.

  This data capacity is set to a capacity sufficient to absorb the delay time from when the user inputs a playback event until the played video is actually displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, in the forward reproduction state, the reproduction pointer, the write pointer, and the read end pointer are moved in the arrow direction to update the data. Also, as shown in FIG. 2B, during reverse playback, the playback direction of the playback pointer is reversed, the write pointer and the read end pointer are interchanged, and the data update direction is reversed. Data in the direction of movement of the pointer is supplemented.

  FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining the elapsed time of processing from when the user inputs a playback event until the playback video is actually displayed on the LCD 115.

  In order to control the playback operation using the playback control buffer 111, of course, it is necessary that content data be stored in the playback control buffer 111. In the timing chart of FIG. A process of storing content data in the buffer 111 is performed. This is executed in the course of the title selection process performed in the previous stage of the normal reproduction process, and the user first selects the title stored in the data storage medium 103. In this selection process, for example, a list of titles stored in the data storage medium 103 is taken into the monitor 102 and displayed on the LCD 115, and the user selects from the displayed list with a remote controller (not shown). It can be executed by simple processing.

  As indicated by a dotted line 301 in FIG. 3, the CPU 117 of the monitor 102 transmits the title information selected by the user to the playback device 101. In the playback device 101, the CPU 108 stores the title stored in the data storage medium 103. The data specified by the information is read from the head, converted into TS by the MPEG converter 105, and transmitted to the monitor 102. The monitor 102 accumulates the transmitted data in the reproduction control buffer 111.

  If the user inputs a playback event in a state where data is stored in the playback control buffer 111, the CPU 117 of the monitor 102 receives the playback event as shown by the solid line 302 in FIG. The data is read from the video signal, supplied to the MPEG decoder 112 and subjected to stream decoding, converted into uncompressed video data, sent to the video processor 113, and converted into a standard television format, The image is displayed on the LCD 115 via the LCD controller 114.

  At this time, the CPU 117 of the monitor 102 sends the operation status information of the monitor 102 to the playback device 101 to synchronize the data reading process of the data storage medium 103 and the data writing process of the playback control buffer 111 of the monitor 102.

  That is, the CPU 117 of the monitor 102 sends status information including frame information (for example, PTS) at the position of the write pointer of the playback control buffer 111 to the CPU 108 of the playback device 101, and the CPU 108 writes the write pointer of the playback control buffer 111. The frame data continuous to the first frame in the reproduction direction indicated by is read out, converted into TS, sent to the monitor 102, and written into the reproduction control buffer 111.

  As described above, since reproduction is executed based on the data read from the reproduction control buffer 111, even when special reproduction is performed, a remote control signal is sent to the reproduction device 101 and the data storage medium 103 is transmitted. Therefore, it is not necessary to finely control the data reading process from the computer, so that various reproductions can be performed without being affected by the delay of the processing time.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of another embodiment of the content playback apparatus of the present invention. In this embodiment, the content playback apparatus 400 includes the playback device 401 shown in FIG. The monitor 402 shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the same components as those in FIG.

  The playback device 401 is configured as a device in which a receiving device that receives a broadcast signal has a function for recording and playing back content data transmitted by broadcasting.

  That is, the playback device 401 includes a tuner 404 that selects a desired channel from a broadcast signal from an antenna 403 for receiving a broadcast and outputs MPEG2-TS.

  The output of the tuner 404 is supplied to the selector 405, where it is switched and output with, for example, a reproduction signal of the DVD player 407 supplied from the external input terminal 406.

  The output of the selector 405 is decoded by the MPEG decoder 408, converted into an uncompressed digital video signal, and supplied to the MPEG codec 409.

  The MPEG codec 409 performs an encoding process based on the MPEG2 standard on the input digital video signal, generates MPEG2-PES, and derives it to the MPEG converter 410. Also, MPEG2-PS is generated and derived to the ATAI / F411.

  The ATAI / F 411 is connected to the DVD drive 412 and the HDD 413 as data storage media, records the content data from the MPEG codec 409 to the DVD drive 412 or the HDD 413, and reads the data recorded on them. Derived to the MPEG codec 409.

  In the so-called playback operation of reading data from the DVD drive 412 or the HDD 413, the MPEG codec 409 extracts MPEG2-PES from the data supplied from the ATAI / F 411 and derives it to the MPEG converter 410.

  The MPEG converter 410 receives the MPEG2-PES generated by the MPEG codec 108 based on the received signal when the broadcast is received by the tuner 404 and the MPEG2-PES generated based on the data from the ATAI / F 411 during the reproduction operation. The data is converted into MPEG-TS and derived to the wireless transmission / reception module 414.

  The wireless transmission / reception module 414 performs a wireless frame conversion process on the transmitted MPEG2-TS and transmits it from the transmission / reception antenna 415.

  Further, the wireless transmission / reception module 414 receives a remote control signal from the monitor 402 or operation status information of the monitor 402 by the transmission / reception antenna 415, and sends this to the CPU 416. The CPU 416 controls each circuit portion in the playback device 401.

  In addition, the CPU 416 sends status information indicating the operating state of the playback device 401 from the wireless transmission / reception module 414 to the monitor 402 via the transmission / reception antenna 415.

  Furthermore, the playback device 401 is provided with a remote control light emitting unit 417 for sending a remote control signal. The remote control light emitting unit 417 can emit a remote control signal for controlling the DVD player 407. For example, the remote control signal from the remote control light emitting unit 417 may be configured such that the user sends a remote control signal to the monitor 402 by a remote controller (not shown), transmits the remote control signal to the playback device 401, and the CPU 416 generates the remote control signal based on the remote control signal. Is possible.

  The monitor 402 has substantially the same configuration as that of the monitor 102 shown in FIG. 1B. However, in order to send a remote control signal transmitted from the remote control light emitting unit 417 of the playback device 401 from the monitor 402, remote control light reception is performed. A route is provided for sending the remote control signal received by the unit 116 directly to the wireless transmission / reception module 110 without going through the CPU 117.

  According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, it is possible to record data on the DVD drive 412 and the HDD 413 as data storage media, play them back, and view them on the monitor 402. In addition, as an external connection device It is also possible to select the content reproduced by the DVD player 407 and send it to the monitor 402 for viewing.

As described above, according to the present invention, the playback operation is executed based on the data read from the playback control buffer 111. Therefore, even when special playback is performed, a remote control signal is sent to the playback device 101. Thus, since it is not necessary to finely control the process of reading data from the data storage medium 103, it is possible to execute various reproductions that are not affected by a delay in processing time.
The present invention can be implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1 is a circuit block diagram showing an embodiment of a content reproduction apparatus according to the present invention. The block diagram for demonstrating operation | movement of the principal part of the apparatus shown in FIG. The timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement of the apparatus shown in FIG. The circuit block diagram which shows other embodiment of the content reproduction apparatus which concerns on this invention. 1 is a circuit block diagram showing a general content recording apparatus. The figure for demonstrating the timing chart of operation | movement of the apparatus shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Content reproduction apparatus 101 ... Reproduction apparatus 102 ... Monitor 103 ... Data storage medium 104 ... ATAI / F
105 ... MPEG converter 106 ... Wireless transmission / reception module 107 ... Transmission / reception antenna 108 ... CPU
109: Transmission / reception antenna 110 ... Wireless transmission / reception module 111 ... Playback control buffer 112 ... MPEG decoder 113 ... Video processor 114 ... LCD controller 115 ... LCD
116: Remote control light receiving unit 117 ... CPU

Claims (5)

A playback device comprising a reading means for reading content data from a data storage medium in which the content data is stored, and a communication means for transmitting the content data read by the reading means and receiving control information sent thereto;
A buffer unit capable of accumulating the content data sent from the playback device via the communication unit for a predetermined period and outputting the content data; and a monitor including a presentation unit for presenting the content data output from the buffer unit; ,
A process for controlling the reading of the content data stored in the buffer means to control the reproduction of the content data presented by the presenting means, and a process for reading from the data storage medium of the playback device via the communication means; Control means for synchronizing the writing process to the buffer means of the monitor;
A content reproduction apparatus comprising:   2. The remote content playback apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the buffer means is configured to be randomly accessible.   2. The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the buffer unit is configured in a circular manner, and information stored by the control unit is managed in units of frames.   The control means controls a reading position of the data storage medium by specifying a buffer capacity and a reproduction direction of the reproduction control buffer based on operation status information of the reproduction device and the monitor. The content reproduction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   5. The content reproduction according to claim 1, wherein the control means adjusts a transmission speed of content data read from the data storage medium based on status information of the monitor. apparatus.

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