JP2009147511A - Reproduction apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique for supporting the reproduction of a title matched with user's liking by simple operation. <P>SOLUTION: A reproduction apparatus is provided with a reproduction means for selectively reproducing a plurality of titles, an input means for receiving an input for requesting the reproduction of a title other than the title in reproducing during the reproduction of the title by the reproduction means, and a determination means for determining a succeeding reproduction title which is a title to be reproduced next in accordance with title attribute information which is information indicating an attribute of a title and time from the reproduction start of the title up to an input for requesting the reproduction of another title. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a playback apparatus, and more particularly, to a playback apparatus capable of playing back a title so as to reach a title that suits the user's preference according to the user's preference.

  In recent years, the recording capacity of information recording media such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and DVDs has increased dramatically, and playback devices (for example, HDD recorders) equipped with large-capacity information storage media have become widespread. It was. By using such a playback device, the user can record many of the interested broadcast programs without worrying about the limitation of the storage capacity.

  A playback device equipped with a large-capacity information recording medium can freely select contents that the user prefers (contents having a single semantic group, such as movies, TV programs, and music clips, are hereinafter referred to as “titles”). While allowing recording, it is necessary to select a favorite one from a large number of recorded titles. That is, when a user who is a viewer of a recorded title views a television program recorded on the playback device and does not like the television program, the user has to bother to select the next recorded program. There is a problem of not becoming. Further, when the user likes the television program and wants to watch the continuation, there is a problem that an operation for selecting the next recorded program that is the continuation of the television program has to be performed.

As a technique for solving this problem, it is determined whether or not the user actually watches the recorded title, and the user's preference is increased or decreased based on the determination result, thereby providing a more appropriate program to the user. A technique has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). This prior art aims at accumulating preference information as long-term data, and focuses on updating preference information.
JP-A-2005-80013 (paragraph [0093], paragraph [0132], etc.)

  The preference information used in the above prior art is effective for recommending automatic reservation and recording. However, when considering the recommendation as a playback support function, the recorded content itself is of interest to the user. This distinction is difficult to solve with preference information. In addition, it is important what you want to play from the state where a lot of interesting things have been recorded, and the long-term accumulation of user preference information meets the demand for playing something that suits your current mood. I can't.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and in consideration of whether the viewer is interested in the title currently being played by a single operation, the skip is a single operation. When the operation is performed, another title is reproduced in consideration of the reproduction time for the current title. If a skip operation is performed in a situation where the playback time for the current title is short, it is determined that the currently played title does not match the current mood, and a title different from the currently played title is played. If the skip operation is performed in the situation where the playback time for the current title is long, or if it is watched to the end of the title, it is determined that the current playback title matches the current mood, and the current playback title Play titles similar to. In this way, the present invention provides a method for searching for content that matches the user's current mood with a single operation.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for supporting the reproduction of a title that matches a user's preference by a simple operation.

As means for solving the above problems, the present invention has the following features.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, a reproducing unit that selectively reproduces a plurality of titles and an input unit that receives an input requesting reproduction of a title different from the title being reproduced during reproduction of the title by the reproducing unit The next playback title that is the next playback title is determined according to the title attribute information that is information indicating the title attribute and the time from the start of playback of the title until the input for requesting playback of another title. And determining means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, a reproducing unit that selectively reproduces a plurality of titles, a grouped data storage unit that stores grouped data that is data obtained by grouping titles according to the similarity of titles, An input unit that accepts a predetermined input during playback of a title by the playback unit, and a title that belongs to the same group as the title being played or another group with reference to the grouped data when the input unit receives the input And determining means for determining as a next reproduction title.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided reproducing means capable of reproducing a title and a shortened version of the title, and input requesting reproduction of a title corresponding to the shortened version being reproduced during reproduction of the shortened version by the reproducing means. Characterized by an input means and a determination means for playing the title corresponding to the shortened version being played when there is an input, and playing another shortened version when there is no input until the shortened version is played back ing.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, reproduction | regeneration of the title suitable for a user's preference can be supported by simple operation.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[1. Summary of the Invention]
The present invention is an invention in which a recorded title in a large-capacity HDD is automatically played back and evaluated with a simple operation, and as a result, a favorite video can be reached.

  The playback apparatus according to the present invention automatically starts playback of a title. A user who views the reproduced title performs an operation indicating that he / she does not like the title unless he / she likes the title. In that case, the playback device selects another title that is not similar to the title that has just been played back, and plays it back. On the other hand, if the user likes the reproduced title, the user performs an operation indicating that he / she likes it. In that case, the playback device plays back another title similar to the title just played back.

  There are buttons to indicate that you do not like, such as pressing a button indicating that you like it, “no operation”, “instruction to move the same genre”, etc. There are a press, a genre shift operation, and an operation for switching titles such as zapping.

  Also, after a certain operation, even if the title is not switched, a screen specification that displays multiple candidates considering the current title and playback time while continuing to play the title like the “next candidate display button” Even if is used, the present invention is established.

  Further, the content of the title shown to the user by the playback device according to the present invention does not have to be the main part (those that have not been shortened or summarized), and the playback device according to the present invention has reduced playback time such as digest playback. May be reproduced. In the case of a method of reproducing a shortened one, if the user does not like it, no operation is performed. In this case, it is determined that the playback apparatus did not like it, and another title (or a shortened version thereof) is shown. At this time, there is a high possibility that the user will not like a title that is similar to the title that has just been played back, so a title that is not similar may be selected. If the user is interested in the shortened video, the user can view the main part from the beginning by performing a dedicated operation to show the main part from the beginning. You may also take steps to obtain the main part, such as reservations and downloads.

[2. First Embodiment]
The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The first aspect of the present invention is proposed as a playback device that plays back stored titles and the like so that a user can reach a favorite title with a single operation.

[2.1. Example of playback device configuration]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the playback apparatus according to the present embodiment. Note that the present invention is within the scope of the present invention regardless of what storage medium is used as long as it is a playback device.

  This playback device can digitally record and play back data (hereinafter simply referred to as “title”) including video and audio signals such as TV broadcast programs, music clips, movies, video clips, DVD contents, and the like. The video recorder 10 is realized.

  The video recorder 10 is configured to control broadcast program recording and playback operations according to a remote control code transmitted from the remote control unit R by an infrared signal or the like. The video recorder 10 also has a function of digitally recording a broadcast program or the like related to a keyword designated in advance by the user by operating the remote control unit R or the like. Furthermore, the video recorder 10 has a network communication function for connecting to the Internet, and receives or downloads a program or content provided from a broadcasting station T or an on-demand movie site through a network such as the Internet. Can do.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the video recorder 10 includes a communication unit 11, a BS / CS (Broadcasting Satellite / Communication Satellite) tuner unit 12, a terrestrial tuner unit 13, an input side selector unit 16, an output side selector unit 17, and a hard disk drive. Unit 18, encoder unit 21, decoder unit 23, interface (I / F) unit 27, control unit 30, operation unit 32, display unit 33, reproduction title determination unit 34, title attribute information storage unit 35, display control unit 36, etc. It has.

  The communication unit 11 is a device for connecting the video recorder 10 to a network such as the Internet via a network connection device M (for example, a modem, a router, etc.), and performs communication with the broadcasting station T via the Internet, for example. Therefore, a network card, a network board, or the like that converts data into an electrical signal and executes a predetermined communication protocol. The BS / CS tuner unit 12 is a broadcast receiving unit that receives broadcast program data corresponding to the BS and CS and performs channel selection processing for channel selection, and is connected to the BS / CS-compatible antenna 12AT. The terrestrial tuner unit 13 is a device that performs reception of terrestrial analog broadcast program data and channel selection processing for channel selection, and is connected to an external TV antenna 13AT.

  The input side selector unit 16 has an input control function of selecting a signal or title data input from the communication unit 11, the BS / CS tuner unit 12, or the terrestrial tuner unit 13, and outputting the selected signal or title data to the encoder unit 21.

  In addition, a plurality of electronic program guides (EPG: Electric Program Guide) received by being superimposed from the BS / CS tuner unit 12 and the terrestrial tuner unit 13 are input to the input side selector unit 16. This EPG includes program information of broadcast programs scheduled to be broadcast for 8 days, for example. This program information includes information indicating a program name, a genre indicating what the title is, a broadcast time, and the like.

  The EPG input to the input side selector unit 16 is output to the receiver 41 and the interface (I / F) unit 27 via the output side selector unit 17 under the control of the control unit 30, and the title attribute described later. The information is output to the information processing unit 35 and stored by the title attribute information processing unit 35.

  The encoder unit 21 performs an encoding process for digitally compressing and encoding broadcast program data or image / audio signals input from the BS / CS tuner unit 12 and the terrestrial tuner unit 13 under the control of the control unit 30. The device to execute. By this encoding process, the broadcast program is converted into a compressed and encoded digital data sequence corresponding to, for example, the MPEG2 or DVD video format. The compression-coded broadcast program obtained by the encoder unit 21 is input to the decoder unit 23.

  The hard disk drive unit 18 is a disk storage that executes processing for recording a broadcast program converted into a digital data sequence compressed and encoded by the encoder unit 21 and processing for reading the recorded broadcast program under the control of the control unit 30. Device. Header information is added to the broadcast program stored in the hard disk drive unit 18. This header information includes program information indicating the title name of the broadcast program.

  The optical disk drive unit 19 executes read / write processing on the recording medium D such as DVD-RAM / DVD-R. A DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) drive can also read data from a recording medium D such as a DVD-ROM medium. A broadcast program converted into a compression-encoded digital data string is first recorded in the hard disk drive unit 18. The broadcast program recorded on the hard disk drive unit 18 is recorded on a recording medium D such as a DVD-RAM / DVD-R (dubbing) as necessary.

  The temporary storage unit 20 is a buffer memory for temporarily recording write data to the hard disk drive unit 18 and the optical disk drive unit 19 or read data from the hard disk drive unit 18 and the optical disk drive unit 19.

  Also, the compression-coded broadcast program read from the hard disk drive unit 18 and the optical disk drive unit 19 is sent to the decoder unit 23 via the temporary storage unit 20. Note that either the hard disk drive unit 18 or the optical disk drive unit 19 may be provided as a disk drive.

  The decoder unit 23 corresponding to the reproduction means of the present invention is a device that executes a decoding process for decoding a compression-coded broadcast program under the control of the control unit 30. The broadcast program decoded by this decoding process is output to the output side selector unit 17.

  The output side selector unit 17 receives the broadcast program input from the decoder unit 23 or the EPG received from each tuner on the monitor 41 (for example, a television receiver) or the interface (I / I) via the bus B and the output terminal OUT. F) A control function for transmitting to the outside via the unit 27 is provided. The monitor 41 is a display device that displays a moving image or the like connected to the video recorder 10.

The control unit 30 has a function of controlling the operation of each component of the video recorder 10, and is, for example, a main CPU (Central Processing Unit).
The operation unit 32 corresponding to the input means of the present invention has a function of accepting an operation input by a user. For example, the operation unit 32 processes a signal generated by the operation unit 32 itself and a signal transmitted from each of the remote control units R. CPU. The operation unit 32 has a remote control code processing function. This remote control code processing function is a function for executing together with the control unit 30 the operation requested by the remote control code received from the remote control unit R via the remote control interface built in the operation unit 32.

  The display unit 33 is a display device for status display (for example, a liquid crystal display) provided in the main body of the video recorder 10, and includes, for example, the title, channel number, broadcast program title that is currently viewed, played back, and recorded. This is used for displaying status information such as the progress of playback / recording. For example, when the user instructs recording / playback of a TV program by operating the remote control unit R, the title name of the broadcast program to be subjected to recording / playback processing executed by the video recorder 10 is displayed on the display unit. 33.

The remote control unit R is a device that inputs user operation instructions to the video recorder 10. The remote control unit R and the operation unit 32 can communicate with each other by wire or wireless.
In this embodiment, the remote control unit R has at least a skip button. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the remote control unit R according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the remote control unit R is provided with a skip button 201. In addition to the skip button 201, the remote control unit R may be provided with, for example, a function key and a numeric keypad (not shown). For example, in addition to the power on / off button of the video recorder 10, the function keys include a group of buttons (play button, stop button, pause button, record button, fast forward / fast button) for controlling the recording / playback operation of the broadcast program. And a group of buttons for operating the recording reservation function and the function of displaying reservation information of the broadcast program reserved for recording. The numeric keypad is provided with a plurality of buttons for inputting numbers and symbols, and is used, for example, for inputting a channel number and editing a title name.

  In the remote control unit R corresponding to the input means of the present invention, a key code corresponding to each button of the operation unit 32 is assigned. When a certain button is operated by the user, a key code corresponding to the button is transmitted to the video recorder 10 by an infrared signal or the like. In the video recorder 10, an operation to be executed is defined corresponding to each remote control code. In addition to skipping from the current playback title to the next playback title, the user operates the remote control unit R, for example, recording / playback of a broadcast program, recording reservation, display of a recording reservation list, and display of a list of recorded programs The video recorder 10 can be instructed to execute the operations such as.

Returning to FIG. 1, the description of the configuration example of the playback apparatus will be continued.
The reproduction title determination unit 34 corresponding to the determination means of the present invention calculates the similarity between the current reproduction title which is the currently reproduced title and another title (hard disk), and the user operation by the remote control unit R or the operation unit 32. In response to this, it has a function of determining the next reproduction title which is the title to be reproduced next to the current reproduction title and directly instructing the control unit 30 or the decoder unit 23 to reproduce it. Further, the playback title determination unit 34 may have a function of automatically determining a title to be played back unless the user specifies a title when starting playback.

  The title attribute information processing unit 35 has a function of generating, updating, and storing title attribute information, which is information indicating each attribute, for all or part of titles that can be reproduced by the video recorder 10. Note that the title attribute information may be stored in the hard disk drive unit 18. In this case, the title attribute information processing unit 35 only generates and updates the title attribute information. Here, the “title attribute information” is information indicating a title attribute, and may be any information regarding the title.

FIG. 3 shows a data configuration example of title attribute information. In this example, the title attribute information is composed of EPG information 301 corresponding to a certain title and operation history information 302. The EPG information 301 includes data items that can be acquired from the EPG for the corresponding title, and includes, for example, a genre, a broadcast time, a broadcast channel number, and the like. The operation history information 302 is information relating to operations performed on the corresponding title, and includes, for example, the number of times of viewing (number of times of reproduction), the time of viewing (reproduction time), the name of a storage folder, and the like. The operation history information 302 is generated and recorded by the title attribute information processing unit 35 based on the output signal of the operation unit 32.
The title attribute information stored by the title attribute information processing unit 35 is used as data when the reproduction title determination unit 34 calculates the similarity.

  The display control unit 36 has a function of displaying various information on the monitor 41 in addition to the reproduced image of the title. For example, a small window for simultaneously displaying the title information being reproduced, the title arrangement map, and other titles. And the like.

[2.2. Example of video recorder operation]
[2.2.1. Example of playback processing]
Next, an operation example of the video recorder 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the playback process of the video recorder 10. Hereinafter, a reproduction process as an example of the operation of the video recorder 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, it is assumed that the user inputs to the video recorder 10 to start playback of a title. The user activates the video recorder 10. When activated, the video recorder 10 automatically plays a title, and the user views the displayed video. The video recorder 10, more specifically the playback title determination unit 34, starts playback of the title (step S10). Note that it does not matter which title is played at the start of the playback process. For example, the video recorder 10 may automatically determine the title that most closely matches the user's preference from the previous reproduction history or the like.

Next, the video recorder 10, more specifically the playback title determination unit 34, measures and records the playback time and / or playback position of the title being played back (step S20).
Next, the video recorder 10, more specifically, the playback title determination unit 34, determines whether or not a skip request operation has been performed (step S30). The skip request operation is an operation to be performed when the user does not want to view the title now after the reproduction of the title is started. In this embodiment, pressing of the skip button 201 of the remote control unit R corresponds to a skip request operation.

  When it is determined that the skip request operation has been performed (step S30, Yes), the video recorder 10 determines the next playback title to start playback next based on the playback time and / or playback position of the current playback title (step S40). ). As one specific example, when the playback time is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time, or when the playback position is closer to the head than the predetermined position, the video recorder 10, more specifically, the playback title determination unit 34, feels the current user. Is assumed not to like the reproduced title, and a title that is not similar to the reproduced title is selected and determined as the next reproduced title. For example, if a title skip operation is performed only after watching a minute program for one hour, a documentary different from the variety is reproduced. When the user does not want to view the video again, the user skips the title and repeats zapping. On the other hand, when the playback time is longer than or equal to the predetermined time and / or when the playback position is farther from the beginning than the predetermined position, that is, when playback proceeds and the user performs a title skip operation toward the end of the title, Alternatively, when the title is played back without performing the title skip operation, the video recorder 10, more specifically, the playback title determination unit 34 plays back a title similar to the current playback title. For example, when a movie is played to the end, another movie is played next.

  When the next playback title is determined and playback starts, the video recorder 10, more specifically the playback title determination unit 34, returns to step S20, and measures and records the playback time and / or playback position of the title being played back. (Step S20).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S30 that there is no skip request operation (No in step S30), the video recorder 10, more specifically, the playback title determination unit 34 determines whether there is a playback stop operation (step S50). The playback stop operation is a process for requesting the user to stop playback of the title being played back, for example, pressing a stop button (not shown) of the remote control unit R.

  If it is determined that there has been a playback stop operation (step S50, Yes), the video recorder 10, more specifically the playback title determination unit 34, stops playback and ends the playback process. On the other hand, if it is determined that there has been no playback stop operation (step S50, No), the video recorder 10, more specifically the playback title determination unit 34, returns to step S20 again, and sets the playback time and / or playback position of the title being played back. Measure and record (step S20).

  That is, until there is a playback stop operation that is an operation to stop the reproduction of the title by the user, the steps S20 to S50 are repeated, and the user performs zapping (a change or switching of the playback title) only by performing a skip request operation that is a single operation. ) Can be repeated and the title to be viewed can be passively played without troublesome operations. That is, the user can search for and view a favorite title simply by performing a title skip operation.

[2.2.3. Example of next playback title determination process]
In step S40 in the above-described reproduction process, the reproduction title determination unit 34 executes a next reproduction title determination process that is a process for determining the next reproduction title. Hereinafter, an example of the next reproduction title determination process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the next playback title determination process.

  When the next playback title determination process is started, the video recorder 10, more specifically the playback title determination unit 34, executes a similarity calculation process for calculating the similarity between the current playback title and another title (step S110). Details of the similarity calculation processing will be described later.

  Next, the video recorder 10, more specifically the playback title determination unit 34, determines whether or not the playback time of the current playback title is less than or equal to a predetermined value (step S120). The predetermined value is a value by which it can be determined whether the user likes or does not like viewing the title. Note that the actual time length may be used as the predetermined value, or the ratio of the reproduction time to the total length may be used.

  If it is determined in step S120 that the playback time of the current playback title is less than or equal to the predetermined value (S120, Yes), the video recorder 10, more specifically the playback title determination unit 34, has the lowest similarity among other titles. Is determined as the next reproduction title (step S130). This is because it can be assumed that the user does not want to view the current playback title, and it is considered that even if a title similar to the current playback title is played, it does not meet the user's current preference.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S120 that the playback time of the current playback title exceeds the predetermined value (S120, No), the video recorder 10, more specifically, the playback title determination unit 34, has the highest similarity among other titles. The degree is determined as the next reproduction title (step S130). This is because it can be assumed that the user does not want to view the current playback title, and a title similar to the current playback title is considered to match the user's current preference.

  When step S130 or S140 ends, the video recorder 10, more specifically the playback title determination unit 34, ends the next playback title determination process.

[2.2.3. Example of similarity calculation processing]
In step S110 in the next playback title determination process described above, the playback title determination unit 34 calculates the similarity between the current playback title and other titles. Hereinafter, an example of similarity calculation processing that is processing for calculating similarity will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of similarity calculation processing.

  When the similarity calculation process is started, the video recorder 10, more specifically, the reproduction title determination unit 34, starts an all title loop (step S201). The all title loop is a loop process for executing step S302 described later for each of all titles (all titles stored in the hard disk drive unit 18 in the present embodiment) excluding the current playback title.

  Next, the video recorder 10, more specifically, the playback title determination unit 34, determines the similarity between the current playback title and the title (hereinafter referred to as a similarity calculation target title) for each of all titles except the current playback title. calculate.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a similarity calculation method. In this example, each item of the EPG information 301 of the current reproduction title is compared with each item of the EPG information 301 of the title to be calculated, a score is determined for each item, and the total value of the scores is used as a similarity. is there. In this method, a total value of values obtained by multiplying each score by a weighting coefficient determined in advance for each item may be used as the similarity. In addition, as a method for determining the score, a method using a score table in which a score value is defined for each value of the item to be compared or each combination of contents can be considered, but the present invention is not limited to this method. However, the present invention can be established regardless of the method of determining the score.

Returning to FIG. 6, the description of the similarity calculation processing will be continued.
When the calculation of the similarity for one title is completed in step S202, the video recorder 10, more specifically, the reproduction title determination unit 34, stores the similarity of the title and sets another title as the calculation target title in step S202. repeat. When the calculation of the similarity is completed for all titles excluding the current reproduction title, the all title loop ends (step S203). The similarity calculated here is used to determine the title with the lowest similarity in the next playback title determination process (see FIG. 5, step S130) and the title with the highest similarity (see FIG. 5, step S140). Data.
Thus, the similarity calculation process ends.

  In the present invention, any method for calculating the degree of similarity may be used. Regardless of the method for calculating each element and the method for calculating the degree of similarity, the user selects the one with the lower degree of similarity by the operation, so that the user likes it more. A feature of the present invention is that it is easy to encounter a program.

  In addition, it is estimated that a user who does not like the first episode of the number of episodes in a certain series has a low probability of enjoying even if the second episode to the tenth episode in the same series are shown, and the program title is reproduced and the degree of similarity When calculating, it is also clear that it is easier for users to encounter programs that they like rather than showing the same series with a high degree of similarity over and over and showing other series with a low degree of similarity. is there.

  It should be noted that the present invention can also be realized by causing the reproduction title determination unit 34 to perform the following processing. Assume that title B has the highest degree of similarity with a certain title A and title A has the highest degree of similarity with title B. In this case, when the title having the highest similarity to the current playback title is determined as the next playback title, if the current playback title is title A or title B, the playback title determination unit 34 alternates between title A and title B. The next playback title is determined, and these are continuously displayed. However, even if they are displayed alternately, there is no benefit to the user, so the playback title determination unit 34 may be caused to perform some processing to avoid this repetition. . For example, a title that has been played once and is not liked is not played until a certain condition is satisfied (for example, until an input operation indicating that a user likes another title is performed). Such ideas can be easily conceived and implemented. The same process may be performed when a title having a low similarity to the current playback title is selected as the next playback title.

[2.2.4. Specific example of playback processing]
Next, a specific example of the reproduction process described above will be shown. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of the reproduction processing by the video recorder 10.

  The video recorder 10 plays the 1-hour drama “From the North” as the first playback title after startup. The user does not feel like watching this title, and presses the skip button 201 of the remote control unit R 10 seconds after the start of reproduction.

  The video recorder 10 has a playback time of 10 seconds equal to or less than a predetermined value (in this example, ½ of the total length of the current playback title). The title with the lowest similarity, the variety “Daijobuja”, is determined as the next playback title, and playback of this title is started. The user does not feel like watching this title, and presses the skip button 201 of the remote control unit R 5 seconds after the start of reproduction.

  The video recorder 10 has a playback time of 5 seconds less than or equal to a predetermined value (1/2 of the total playback time of the current playback title, that is, 15 minutes), so that it is similar to the current playback title variety “Daijobuja”. The lowest title, the animation “Dragon Paul # 12”, is determined as the next playback title, and playback of this title is started. Since the user is interested in watching this title, the user continues to watch this title until 24 minutes after the start of reproduction, and then presses the skip button 201 of the remote control unit R.

  Since the playback time of 24 minutes exceeds the predetermined value (1/2 of the total playback time of the current playback title, that is, 15 minutes), the video recorder 10 determines that the current playback title is “Dragon Paul # 12”. The title with the highest similarity, the animation “Dragon Paul # 13” is determined as the next playback title, and playback of this title is started. The user does not want to watch this title halfway, and presses the skip button 201 of the remote control unit R 10 minutes after the start of reproduction.

  Since the video recorder 10 has a playback time of 10 minutes less than or equal to a predetermined value (1/2 of the total playback time of the current playback title, that is, 15 minutes), the current playback title is “Dragon Paul # 13”. The title with the lowest similarity, the movie “Spaceman” is determined as the next playback title, and playback of this title is started. Thereafter, the video recorder 10 continues to reproduce the title while estimating the user's preference until the user performs a stop operation.

[2.2.5. Modified example]
The first embodiment can be realized even if it is modified as follows.
(1) First Modification In the first embodiment, only an operation indicating that the user is not interested in the title being played back is possible, but the user is interested in the video currently being played back. You may be able to explicitly manipulate whether or not

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the remote control unit R of the video recorder 10 according to the modification. The remote control unit R replaces the skip button 201 with a “◯” button 801 for performing an operation when the user is interested in the current reproduction title that is the currently reproduced title, and the currently reproduced title. And an “x” button 802 for performing an operation when the user is not interested.

  If neither the “O” button 801 nor the “x” button 802 is operated during the reproduction of the current reproduction title and the current reproduction title is reproduced to the end, the video recorder 10, more specifically, the reproduction title determination unit 34 is reproduced. Determines that the user was interested in the current playback title.

  The video recorder 10, more specifically the playback title determination unit 34, is similar to the current playback title after the operation when the user is interested in the current playback title is performed (“○” button 801 is pressed). A title having a high degree is determined as the next playback title. On the other hand, after the operation when the user is not interested in the current playback title is performed (the “x” button 802 is pressed), the similarity to the current playback title is obtained. A title with a low degree is determined as the next playback title. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

(2) Second Modification When determining the next playback title, the next playback title is determined based on the similarity. In addition to this, the playback title determination unit 34 is the next of the series having the same title name. It may be configured to preferentially select the program of the broadcast times as the next playback title.

For example, when playing the second episode of a drama, if a user performs an operation that is interested in the title, the playback title determination unit 34 prior to the determination based on the similarity,
As the title to be reproduced next, the title which is the third episode of the same drama is determined as the next reproduced title. If the above operation is performed during the reproduction of a title broadcast every week, the next week's title may be reproduced, or if the program is broadcast every day, the title of the next day may be reproduced.
If there is no program with the same program name, a similar program may be reproduced.

[3. Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, when the first playback title is determined by the first embodiment, the similarity between the current playback title and other titles is used. The title to be reproduced next is determined by an operation for switching the group by the user and an operation for switching to another title in the group.

The second embodiment of the present invention utilizes the fact that a plurality of user preferences are divided into groups in advance, and when an operation that interests the reproduced title for the user is performed,
Play videos belonging to the same group as the played title. On the other hand, when an operation is performed in which the reproduced title is not interesting to the user, a title belonging to a group different from the reproduced title is reproduced.

  Note that title grouping includes, for example, a method of using which folder the title belongs to, or automatically classifying using a keyword or EPG information by a machine.

  Since the configuration of the video recorder 10 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted (see FIG. 1). However, in the second embodiment, the playback title determination unit 34 corresponds to the grouped data storage unit of the present invention, and the next playback title is grouped by the user's operation and the title grouping that is data obtained by grouping the titles in advance. The operation is performed using the data, and the calculation of the similarity and the process of automatically determining the next reproduction title using the similarity are not performed. The grouped data storage means does not necessarily have to be the reproduction title determination unit 34, and the hard disk drive unit 18 and other storage devices may function as the grouped data storage means.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the remote control unit R of the video recorder 10 according to the second embodiment. The remote control unit R includes group switching buttons 901 and 902 for switching groups, and title switching buttons 903 and 904 for switching titles within the group.

  FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a data configuration example of title grouping data. In the example shown in FIG. 11, each row corresponds to one group, and contents classified into the group are stored in each group. In the title grouping data, the mutual positions of the groups are determined so that similar groups are close to each other and dissimilar groups are spaced apart according to the similarity of the groups. Furthermore, the mutual positions of the titles are determined so that titles that are similar to each other are close to each other and titles that are not similar are spaced apart.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of title switching by the user's operation of the remote control unit R. In the example of FIG. 12, it is assumed that the playback title determination unit 34 determines the playback title using the title grouping data shown in FIG.

  The first focused title is the title “baseball” belonging to the group “sports”, and the current playback title is “baseball”. It is assumed that the user is not interested in this title and presses the group switching button 902 of the remote control unit R during playback of the title “baseball”. Then, the playback title determination unit 34 determines the title “Daijobuja” located immediately below the current playback title “baseball” as the next playback title in the group “variety” adjacent to the group “sports”, and plays it. Let

  It is assumed that the user is not interested in this title and presses the group switching button 902 of the remote control unit R again during reproduction of the title “Daijobuja”. Then, the playback title determination unit 34 determines the title “Saruemon” located immediately below the current playback title “Daijobujaa” in the group “animation” adjacent to the group “variety” as the next playback title. Let it play.

  Next, it is assumed that the user is not interested in this title but wants to view another title in the same group and plays down the title switching button 904 of the remote control unit R during the reproduction of the title “Daijobuja”. Then, the reproduction title determination unit 34 determines another title “Drae” belonging to the group “animation” as the next reproduction title and reproduces it.

  Next, it is assumed that during reproduction of the title “Mr. Dorae”, the user is not interested in the title and presses the group switching button 902 of the remote control unit R again. Then, the playback title determination unit 34 determines the title “My Home Papa” located immediately below the current playback title “Drae” as the next playback title in another group “Drama” adjacent to the group “Animation”. , Play this.

[4. Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the user does not voluntarily perform a title switching operation such as pressing the skip button 201, and the video recorder 10 automatically switches the playback target one after another.
The video recorder 10 stores a short video (hereinafter referred to as “shortened version”) corresponding to each title in the hard disk drive unit 18.

  As a shortened version that summarizes the highlights, you can use what the video recorder 10 automatically created by extracting features from the title, obtain chapter information from a server (not shown) connected to the network, Alternatively, the highlight video (CM, program advertisement, etc.) of the original video distributed separately may be used. When the main video for a short video that aggregates highlights is to be broadcast from now on, or when it cannot be played back unless it is obtained by downloading, the video recorder 10, more specifically, the playback title determination unit 34, corresponds to the shortened version. The present invention is also realized as a configuration that operates not to reproduce a title but to perform recording reservation or download of the title.

  When the video recorder 10 starts the reproduction process, the video recorder 10 shows the user a short version of the highlights of the titles while switching one after another. The video that the user does not like ends up one after another because the playback time is short, and the user can passively judge many titles.

  When a favorite video is found, the user performs an operation to view the video from the beginning. FIG. 13 shows an example of a remote control unit R according to the third embodiment. The remote control unit R has a determination button 1201 for the user to perform an operation to view the video from the beginning. In addition, although you may have buttons (for example, skip button 201) other than this, illustration is abbreviate | omitted here. When the enter button 1201 is pressed, the video recorder 10 plays back the title corresponding to the shortened version being played back from the beginning.

  Note that if the user does not like the video after playing from the beginning, an operation performed when the user does not like the video, such as pressing the skip button 201 (not shown in FIG. 13) of the remote control unit R, the video recorder 10 again displays the shortened version. Playback may be performed while automatically switching one after another.

  Since the configuration of the video recorder 10 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof is omitted here. However, the reproduction process performed by the reproduction title determination unit 34 is changed as follows.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a playback process executed by the video recorder 10 according to the third embodiment, more specifically, the playback title determination unit 34.
First, it is assumed that the user inputs to the video recorder 10 to start playback of a title. The user activates the video recorder 10. When activated, the video recorder 10 automatically reproduces a shortened version of a title (step S310), and the user views the displayed shortened version. Note that it does not matter which title is played at the start of the playback process. For example, the video recorder 10 may automatically determine the title that most closely matches the user's preference from the previous reproduction history or the like.

Next, the video recorder 10, more specifically the playback title determination unit 34, measures and records the playback time and / or playback position of the title being played back (step S320).
Next, the video recorder 10, more specifically, the playback title determination unit 34, determines whether or not there has been a determination operation (for example, pressing of the determination button 1201) that is an operation for requesting playback from the head of the title corresponding to the shortened version. (Step S330). When it is determined that the determination operation has been performed (step S330, Yes), the video recorder 10, more specifically, the playback title determination unit 34, starts playback from the beginning of the title corresponding to the shortened version being played back (step S340). Thereafter, control is returned to step S320.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the determination operation has been performed (step S330, Yes), the video recorder 10, more specifically, the reproduction title determination unit 34, determines whether or not a skip request operation has been performed (step S350). The skip request operation is an operation to be performed when the user does not want to view the title now after the reproduction of the shortened version or the title is started. In this embodiment, pressing of the skip button 201 (not shown in FIG. 13) of the remote control unit R corresponds to a skip request operation.

  If it is determined that the skip request operation has been performed (Yes in step S350), the video recorder 10 determines the next playback title to start playback next based on the playback time and / or playback position of the current playback title / shortened version. Then, reproduction of the shortened version is started (step S360).

  When the next playback title is determined and playback of the shortened version is started, the video recorder 10, more specifically, the playback title determination unit 34 returns to step S320, and the playback time and / or playback position of the shortened version being played back is measured. And recording (step S320).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S350 that there is no skip request operation (No in step S350), the video recorder 10, more specifically, the playback title determination unit 34 determines whether or not a playback stop operation has been performed (step S370). The playback stop operation is a process for requesting the user to stop playback of the title being played back, for example, pressing a stop button (not shown in FIG. 13) of the remote control unit R.

If it is determined that there has been a playback stop operation (step S370, Yes), the video recorder 10, more specifically the playback title determination unit 34, stops playback and ends the playback process. On the other hand, if it is determined that there has been no playback stop operation (step S370, No), the video recorder 10, more specifically, the playback title determination unit 34, returns to step S320, and the playback time and / or the title / shortened version being played back. The reproduction position is measured and recorded (step S320).
Thus, the reproduction process is finished. Note that the next playback title determination process and the similarity calculation process in the third embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Next, a specific example of the reproduction process described above will be shown. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the reproduction process performed by the video recorder 10 according to the third embodiment.
The video recorder 10 plays a shortened version of the 1 hour drama “From the North” as the first playback title after startup. The reproduction of the shortened version is completed without any operation by the user.

  Since there was no decision operation, the video recorder 10 determines that the user is not interested in the title corresponding to the abbreviated version, and the title with the lowest similarity to the drama “From the North”, the variety, “Daijobuja” is determined as the next playback title and playback of the shortened version is started. The reproduction of the shortened version is completed without any operation by the user.

  Since the video recorder 10 did not perform the decision operation, the user determines that he / she is not interested in the title corresponding to the shortened version, and the animation “Dragon” has the lowest similarity to the current reproduction title “Daijobujaa”. Paul # 12 "is determined as the next playback title, and playback of a shortened version of the title is started. Since the user is interested in viewing this title, the user presses the enter button 1201 of the remote control unit R.

  The video recorder 10 starts playback of the title “Dragon Pole # 12” corresponding to the shortened version being played back from the top in response to pressing of the enter button 1201. The user pressed the skip button 201 24 minutes after the start of reproduction.

  Since the playback time of 24 minutes exceeds the predetermined value (1/2 of the total playback time of the current playback title, that is, 15 minutes), the video recorder 10 determines that the current playback title is “Dragon Paul # 12”. The title with the highest similarity, the animation “Dragon Paul # 13” is determined as the next playback title, and playback of this title is started. The user does not want to watch this title halfway, and presses the skip button 201 of the remote control unit R 10 minutes after the start of reproduction.

  Since the video recorder 10 has a playback time of 10 minutes less than or equal to a predetermined value (1/2 of the total playback time of the current playback title, that is, 15 minutes), the current playback title is “Dragon Paul # 13”. The movie “Spaceman” having the lowest similarity is determined as the next playback title, and playback of a shortened version thereof is started. Thereafter, the video recorder 10 continues to reproduce the shortened version and the title while estimating the user's preference until the user performs a stop operation.

[5. Other modifications, etc.]
(1) Change of criteria for determining similarity The video recorder 10, more specifically, the playback title determination unit 34, may have a plurality of criteria for determining the next playback title in advance. The reference here is, for example, a method for calculating similarity. When the user performed an operation indicating that he was not interested in the current playback title (for example, pressing the skip button 201 or pressing the “x button”), the reason for selecting the currently played title was incorrect Can be easily guessed. In response to this, the video recorder 10, more specifically the playback title determination unit 34, determines the next playback title using the standard different from the standard used when the next playback title was previously determined. To do.

  For example, it is assumed that superiority or inferiority is given according to the degree of preference of a user's genre using preference information or the like. If the next playback title has been determined using this, it is assumed that the user is not interested in the title to be played next. Then, an operation is performed when the user is not interested. In response, when the superiority or inferiority is given by the user's preference for the broadcast station, the video recorder 10, more specifically the reproduction title determination unit 34, determines the next title to be reproduced according to this superiority.

  In this way, when the evaluation method used to determine the next title to be played is not suitable for the user's current mood, a title similar to a title that is not interested in the user's current mood is not continuously recommended. .

  In the above example, for the sake of simplicity, the elements that determine superiority or inferiority are described as unique elements such as genres and broadcast stations. However, the evaluation criteria for determining superiority or inferiority by weighting a plurality of elements are also the same.

  In addition, when the next playback title is determined by an evaluation criterion that determines the superiority or inferiority by weighting a plurality of elements, the evaluation criterion for determining the superiority or inferiority by weighting the plurality of elements when the next playback title is not of interest to the user. The same applies to changing the weight value so that the next reproduction title can appropriately determine the weight value to be configured.

(2) Display of title information and title map When the operation is performed by the user and the playback title is switched, the title information such as the title name of the current playback title and the genre may be temporarily displayed. When a plurality of user preferences are grouped in advance, the group name may be displayed.

  Apart from that, when the titles are divided into groups as in the second embodiment, when the titles are switched in order to grasp how many titles are in each group, which title of which group is currently 2D map (referred to as title arrangement map) may be displayed to visualize the title grouping data.

  A cursor indicating the current reproduction title is displayed in the title arrangement map. When the user switches to a different group by using the group switching buttons 901 and 902 of the remote control unit R, the cursor of the title to be reproduced moves vertically, When the user switches to another title in the same group using the title switching buttons 903 and 904 of the remote control unit R, the cursor of the title to be reproduced moves horizontally.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of a screen displayed on the monitor 41 when title information and a title arrangement map are displayed. In this example, title information 1401 is displayed at the upper left portion of the screen of the monitor 41, and a title arrangement map 1402 is displayed at the upper right portion of the screen.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of a screen displayed on the monitor 41 when the title displayed in FIG. 16 is switched to another title. In FIG. 17, the title information 1401 title map 1402 has changed to correspond to the title that has become the current playback title.

(3) Display of a plurality of candidates In the above-described embodiment, the operation is performed by the user, the playback title is switched,
The next playback title is automatically played back. However, the playback of the current playback title is not switched, and a plurality of next playback title candidates are displayed on the monitor 41 and presented to the user simultaneously with the playback of the current playback title. Also good. A plurality of next reproduction title candidates are displayed reflecting whether the title being reproduced is interested in the operation performed by the user or not. FIG. 18 shows a screen example when a plurality of next playback title candidates are displayed. In this example, a small window 1601 for reproducing a title that becomes each next reproduction title candidate is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

  If the playback time of the current playback title is short and it is operated, it is determined that there is no interest, and it is desirable to submit various types of video to the small window 1601 displaying the next playback title candidate. If the playback time of the current playback title is long, it is desirable that the candidate is interested and submits a similar type of video or a sequel video to the candidate.

(4) Acquisition of unacquired title candidates and programs to be broadcast next week
When the user performs an operation that interests him / her, and when there is a program similar to the title that is currently being played in the next week, using the information in the program guide, and it is most appropriate than the other candidates Recording reservation may be made. If there are other titles to be played back and the user has not obtained them, download them, sell them on DVDs, etc. May be presented.
(5) Combinations It should be understood that the above embodiments and modifications can be combined with each other, and such combinations are also included in the scope of the present invention.

[6. advantage]
According to the present invention (Claim 1-3), since another video can be reproduced by a single operation, there is an effect that passive reproduction is possible without troublesome operations.
According to the present invention (Claim 7-10), there is an effect that the main part can be viewed without a troublesome operation on a shortened video with interest according to a user's operation. There is an effect that an interested video can be efficiently searched from the shortened video.
According to the present invention (Claims 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, and 14), it is possible to detect whether or not the user likes the video that is currently being played, and to appropriately determine the next video. There is an effect that can be done.
According to the present invention (claims 6, 15 and 16), there is an effect of assisting understanding of the title content by displaying information on the title content.
According to the present invention (claims 17-19), an appropriate item can be presented to the user rather than reproducing another title within a limited range.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus of this invention The perspective view of the remote control unit concerning a 1st embodiment The figure which shows the data structural example of title attribute information Flow chart showing an example of reproduction processing A flowchart showing an example of the next playback title determination process Flow chart showing an example of similarity calculation processing The figure which shows an example of the similarity calculation method A diagram showing a specific example of playback processing The perspective view which shows the example of the remote control unit concerning a modification The perspective view which shows the example of the remote control unit concerning 2nd Embodiment Conceptual diagram showing an example data structure of title grouping data The figure which shows the example of the switching of the title by operation of a remote control unit The figure which shows the example of the remote control unit concerning 3rd Embodiment Flowchart showing an example of reproduction processing according to the third embodiment The figure which showed the specific example of the reproduction | regeneration processing concerning 3rd Embodiment The figure which shows the example of a screen at the time of displaying title information and a title arrangement | positioning map. The figure which shows the example of a screen at the time of switching from the title currently displayed in FIG. 16 to another title The figure which shows the example of a screen when a plurality of next reproduction title candidates are displayed

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Video recorder 23 ... Decoder part 32 ... Operation part 34 ... Reproduction title determination part R ... Remote control unit

Claims (19)

Playback means for selectively playing multiple titles;
An input means for receiving an input requesting reproduction of a title different from the title being reproduced during reproduction of the title by the reproduction means;
Determination to determine the next playback title that is the next playback title according to the title attribute information that is information indicating the title attribute and the time from the start of playback of the title until the input for requesting playback of the other title Means,
A playback apparatus comprising: The input means can further accept an input indicating that the user likes the title and an input indicating that he / she does not like the title during playback of the title by the playback means,
The said determination means determines the next reproduction | regeneration title according to the input which shows that the title input into the said input means likes, or the input which shows that the title does not like it. Playback device. Playback means for selectively playing multiple titles;
Grouped data storage means for storing grouped data that is data obtained by grouping the titles according to the similarity of the titles;
Input means for receiving a predetermined input during the reproduction of the title by the reproduction means;
When the input unit accepts the input, a determination unit that refers to the grouped data and determines a title belonging to the same group as the title being played or a group belonging to another group as a next playback title;
A playback apparatus comprising: The input means accepts an input indicating that the title is liked during the reproduction of the title by the reproduction means,
The determination means, when the input means accepts an input indicating that the title is liked, determines another title belonging to the same group as the title being reproduced as the next reproduction title. 3. The playback device according to 3. The input means accepts an input indicating that the title is not liked during playback of the title by the playback means,
The determination means, when the input means receives an input indicating that the title is not liked, determines another title belonging to the same group as the title being reproduced as the next reproduction title. 3. The playback device according to 3.   When the reproduction means reproduces the next reproduction title, simultaneously with the reproduction of the title, the titles of the same group are arranged in the same column, and a two-dimensionally displayed title arrangement map in which the groups are arranged vertically is displayed. The playback apparatus according to claim 3 or 4. Reproduction means capable of reproducing the title and a shortened version of the title,
During playback of the shortened version by the playback means, input means for requesting playback of the title corresponding to the shortened version being played, and input means;
A determination means for playing back a title corresponding to a shortened version being played when there is the input, and playing another shortened version when there is no input until the end of playback of the shortened version;
A playback apparatus comprising:   8. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the shortened version is data generated by automatically detecting the highlight of the corresponding title.   8. The playback apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the shortened version is data generated from chapter information of an original title.   8. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the shortened version is data including a highlight video of a title prepared separately from the title.   When the input unit receives an input indicating that the title being played is liked, the determining unit selects a title that is the same series as the currently played title and is the next broadcast time as the next played title. The reproduction apparatus according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the reproduction apparatus is determined as follows.   When the input means accepts an input indicating that the title being played is liked, the determining means calculates the similarity between the currently played title and another title, and the title with the highest similarity is calculated. 5. The playback apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the next playback title is determined.   When the input unit accepts an input indicating that the title being played is not liked, the determining unit calculates the similarity between the currently played title and another title, and the title having the lowest similarity is calculated. 6. The playback apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the next playback title is determined.   The determining means has a plurality of criteria for determining the next playback title, and when an input indicating that the title being played is not liked is made, the criteria is changed to another criteria. The playback apparatus according to claim 2 or 5.   8. The reproduction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the reproduction unit reproduces the next reproduction title, information on the title is displayed simultaneously with reproduction of the title.   The said determining means determines a plurality of next reproduction titles, and said reproduction means displays a plurality of next reproduction titles simultaneously with the currently reproduced title. Item 8. The playback device according to Item 7.   The determining means executes recording reservation of the program instead of determining the next playback title when the program scheduled to be broadcast described in the program guide is more suitable for playback than other titles. The playback apparatus according to claim 1, claim 3, or claim 7.   8. The playback apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit performs download when a title that can be downloaded is more suitable for playback than other titles. .   When the content product that can be purchased or rented by the user or the content product that is scheduled to be available is more suitable for playback than other titles, the determination means, instead of determining the next playback title, 8. The playback apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a display screen for displaying information and a procedure for purchasing is displayed.

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