JP2015050757A - Content reproduction system, communications device, information storage device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a content reproduction system which can improve amusement and to provide a communications device, an information storage device and a program.SOLUTION: A communications device receives data blocks obtained by dividing original content data and second content data which corresponds to the original content data and whose image quality differs from that of the original content data. Block specification information for specifying mutually corresponding reproduction positions are included in the data block corresponding to the received original content data and the data block corresponding to the second content data. The communications device selects and reproduces one of the received original content data and the second content data.

Description

  The present invention relates to a content reproduction system, a communication device, an information storage device, and a program.

  In recent years, for example, a technique for acquiring and reproducing content data stored in a NAS (Network Attached Storage) placed at home via the Internet has been widely used. In such a technique, for example, it is considered to include content data and additional data such as an advertisement in stream data of image information. The additional data is stored when it is received, and the stored additional data is reproduced when the communication line deteriorates during streaming reproduction of the content data. As a result, any image can be seen at any time (Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-46923 A

  However, in the above conventional technology, there is a problem that the content desired by the user is not reproduced, but only the alternative content is reproduced, and the viewing of the originally desired content is interrupted. It is difficult to improve.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is possible to prevent the content reproduction desired by the user from being interrupted or stopped. An object is to provide a device, an information storage device, and a program.

  The present invention for solving the problems of the above conventional example is a content reproduction system including a communication device and an information storage device for storing original content data, wherein the information storage device stores the original stored Acquisition means for acquiring content data and second content data corresponding to the stored original content data and having a different image quality from the original content data; The original content data and the second content data corresponding to the original content data are each divided into a plurality of data blocks, and a data block corresponding to the original content data and a data block corresponding to the second content data Correspond to each other Transmitting means for transmitting including block specifying information for specifying a reproduction position, wherein the communication device receives the original content data and the corresponding second content data from the information storage device; And reproducing means for selecting and reproducing one of the received original content data and second content data. Thereby, the original content data and the second content data can be arbitrarily switched and played back, which can contribute to the enhancement of entertainment.

  The communication apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a data block obtained by dividing original content data and second content data corresponding to the original content data and having different image quality from the original content data. Receiving means for receiving, and both the data block corresponding to the received original content data and the data block corresponding to the second content data include block specifying information specifying the reproduction position corresponding to each other And having a reproducing means for selecting and reproducing one of the received original content data and second content data. Thereby, the original content data and the second content data can be arbitrarily switched and played back, which can contribute to the enhancement of entertainment.

  Here, when the reproduction means detects that the reception throughput of the data block has fallen below a predetermined threshold when reproducing the original content data, the reproduction means is a data block of the second content data, The block specifying information included in the data block of the original content data being played back may be referred to and playback may be started from the data block of the second content data corresponding to the block specifying information. According to this example, the original content data and the second content data can be switched and played back according to the reception throughput, and the playback of the content is prevented from being interrupted or stopped, which contributes to the enhancement of entertainment. Is possible.

  Furthermore, when the reproduction means detects that the reception throughput of the data block exceeds a predetermined threshold value while reproducing the second content data, the reproduction means is a data block of the original content data, The block specifying information included in the data block of the second content data being played back may be referred to and playback may be started from the data block of the original content data corresponding to the block specifying information. According to this example, the original content data and the second content data can be switched and reproduced according to the reception throughput, which can contribute to the enhancement of entertainment.

  When a reproduction instruction in a predetermined mode is accepted during reproduction of either the original content data or the second content data, the other content data is a data block, and The block specifying information included in the data block of the content data may be referred to, and the playback process in the mode instructed by the playback instruction may be executed from the data block of the other content data corresponding to the block specifying information. According to this example, the original content data and the second content data can be switched and played according to the content of the playback instruction, which can contribute to the enhancement of entertainment.

  Further, the receiving means receives the original content data and the second content data via different communication sessions, and the playback means is playing back either the original content data or the second content data. Further, it may further include means for disconnecting the communication session of the one content data when the reproduction is started after switching to the other content data. Further, the receiving means may receive the original content data and the second content data via communication sessions related to different communication methods.

  In these cases, the receiving means sequentially receives the data blocks from the beginning of the content data regardless of the reproduction position by the reproducing means, and the receiving means receives the data block related to the second content data. When the process is completed up to the last data block, a request is made to the transmission source of the original content data to transmit the original content data in order from the end through the communication session used to receive the second content data. It may be further provided with means.

  Furthermore, an information storage device according to an aspect of the present invention includes storage means for storing original content data, the stored original content data, and content data corresponding to the stored original content data, A plurality of acquisition means for acquiring second content data having a different image quality from the original content data, a plurality of the second content data corresponding to the original content data, and a plurality of the second content data corresponding to the original content data. Transmitting means for dividing the data block corresponding to the original content data and the data block corresponding to the second content data together with block specifying information for specifying the reproduction position corresponding to each other. And including One in which the. According to this example, the original content data and the second content data can be switched and played back, which can contribute to the enhancement of entertainment. Here, the transmission unit may transmit the original content data and the second content data via communication sessions according to communication methods having different methods.

  A program according to another aspect of the present invention is obtained by dividing a computer into original content data and second content data corresponding to the original content data and having a different image quality from the original content data. A data block, in which block specifying information for specifying playback positions corresponding to each other is included in both the data block corresponding to the received original content data and the data block corresponding to the second content data The receiving means for receiving the block and the reproducing means for selecting and reproducing one of the received original content data and second content data are made to function. According to this example, the original content data and the second content data can be switched and played back, which can contribute to the enhancement of entertainment.

  Furthermore, a program according to another aspect of the present invention provides a computer connected to a storage device that stores original content data, the stored original content data, and content data corresponding to the stored original content data. An acquisition means for acquiring second content data having a different image quality from the original content data, the original content data for the communication device, and the second content data corresponding to the original content data Are divided into a plurality of data blocks, and both the data block corresponding to the original content data and the data block corresponding to the second content data include block specifying information for specifying the reproduction positions corresponding to each other. Sending Transmission means for, in which a function as an. According to this example, the original content data and the second content data can be switched and played back, which can contribute to the enhancement of entertainment.

  According to the present invention, the original content data and the second content data can be switched and reproduced according to appropriately determined conditions and the like, which can contribute to the enhancement of entertainment.

It is a block diagram showing the example of a structure of the content reproduction system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram showing the example of the information storage device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing showing the outline | summary example of the data block which the information storage apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention produces | generates. It is a functional block diagram showing the example of the communication apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart figure showing a part of example of operation | movement of the communication apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing showing the example of the setting in the communication apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the content reproduction system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an information storage device 1 and a communication device 2 connected to the information storage device 1 via a communication means such as a network. Here, the information storage device 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a function unit 130. The function unit 130 includes at least the communication unit 13. In an example of the present embodiment, the functional unit 130 may include a hardware transcoder unit 14 in addition to the communication unit 13. The communication device 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an operation unit 23, an output unit 24, and a communication unit 25.

  The information storage device 1 is a NAS (Network Attached Storage), a video recorder, or the like. The control unit 11 is a program control device such as a CPU, and operates according to a program stored in the storage unit 12. In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 accepts a request for providing image information from the communication device 2 side. The control unit 11 acquires the original content data accumulated in the storage unit 12 that is the target of the provision request. In addition, the control unit 11 acquires second content data that is content data corresponding to the stored original content data and has a different image quality from the original content data.

  Then, the control unit 11 divides the acquired original content data and the second content data corresponding to the original content data into a plurality of data blocks. Further, the control unit 11 makes a provision request including both block data specifying the reproduction position corresponding to the data block corresponding to the original content data and the data block corresponding to the second content data. These data blocks are transmitted to the communication device 2. Detailed operation of the control unit 11 will be described later.

  The storage unit 12 includes a storage device such as a memory device, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 12 holds a program executed by the control unit 11. The program may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable recording medium, or may be downloaded via a network and stored in the storage unit 12. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 12 stores original content data and second content data.

The communication unit 13 of the function unit 130 is a network interface or the like, and transmits content data to the communication device 2 via the network in accordance with an instruction input from the control unit 11. Further, the communication unit 13 outputs the provision request received from the communication device 2 to the control unit 11.
When the functional unit 130 includes the hardware transcoder unit 14, the hardware transcoder unit 14 controls content data (such as original content data and second content data) according to an instruction input from the control unit 11. A process (transcoding process) for converting the content data by the compression method or the encoding method instructed by the unit 11 is performed.

  The control unit 21 of the communication device 2 is a program control device such as a CPU, and operates according to a program stored in the storage unit 22. The control unit 21 receives data blocks obtained by dividing original content data and second content data corresponding to the original content data and having different image quality from the original content data. Both the data block corresponding to the original content data and the data block corresponding to the second content data include block specifying information for specifying the playback positions corresponding to each other. One of the received original content data and second content data is selected and reproduced. The operation of the control unit 21 will also be described in detail later.

  The storage unit 22 includes a memory device and the like. The storage unit 22 holds a program executed by the control unit 21. This program may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable recording medium, or may be downloaded via a network and stored in the storage unit 22.

  The operation unit 23 is a numeric keypad, a touch panel, or the like, accepts a user's instruction operation, and outputs the content of the instruction operation to the control unit 21. The output unit 24 is a display, a speaker, an output interface for the display, a speaker, or the like. The output unit 24 displays image information and sounds a sound in accordance with an instruction input from the control unit 21. Alternatively, in accordance with an instruction input from the control unit 21, a signal related to image information or sound is output.

  The communication unit 25 includes a wireless LAN interface and a mobile phone communication interface. The communication unit 25 receives content data through a plurality of communication methods having different communication speeds such as a wireless LAN, 3G, and LTE, and outputs the content data to the control unit 21. Here, the communication methods having different communication speeds may be the same method as long as the bandwidths are different, and may refer to a plurality of communication methods having different communication speeds. According to an example of the present embodiment, the communication unit 25 performs multiple communications at the same time using both a wireless LAN and a cellular phone communication line such as LTE. Specifically, the original content data may be received via a wireless LAN, and the second content data may be received via a mobile phone communication line such as LTE. In another example, the communication unit 25 may receive original content data via an LTE line and receive second content data via a 3G line.

  In an example of the information storage device 1 of the present embodiment, original content data is stored in the storage unit 12. In the present embodiment, the original content data is content data having a higher image quality or sound quality than the second content data. In another example of the present embodiment, original content data and second content data are stored in the storage unit 12. In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 of the information storage device 1 functionally includes an information acquisition unit 31, a data block generation unit 32, and a transmission unit 33, as illustrated in FIG. Is done.

  The information acquisition unit 31 corresponds to an example of an acquisition unit of the present invention. The information acquisition unit 31 reads out and acquires the content data targeted for the provision request from the storage unit 12. In an example of the present embodiment, the information acquisition unit 31 performs transcoding processing based on the read original content data, generates second content data with relatively low image quality, and stores the second content data. get.

  Here, the transcoding process refers to converting at least one of the content data compression method, encoding method, resolution, and the like into another method, resolution, and the like. Alternatively, the original content data may be decoded and encoded as second content data that is a compression method or encoding method different from the original content data. As described above, when the functional unit 130 includes the hardware transcoder unit 14, the transcoding process may be performed by instructing the hardware transcoder unit 14, or the control unit 11 may This may be done by executing software.

  In one example of the present embodiment, the original content data includes video data compressed by the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) method. In this case, the original content data includes a frame (image element) at every predetermined reproduction time. These frames include an I frame (Intra Picture) that can be reproduced without referring to other frames, a P frame (Predictive Picture) that is reproduced based on an image of a past frame, and the like.

  In the case of this example, in the transcoding process, the reproduction time when the I frame is included in the original data (the time when the video reproduced based on each I frame is output) and the second content data with relatively low image quality. The transcoding process may be performed while the difference from the playback time including the corresponding I frame is lower than a predetermined threshold. In this way, even when the data to be reproduced is switched between the original content data and the second content data, the reproduction is likely to be performed from the I frame, and the image quality degradation at the time of switching is reduced. Can be reduced.

  In another example of the present embodiment, the control unit 11 performs the transcoding process when receiving the original content data to obtain the second content data, and the received original content data is obtained. The second image information may be accumulated in the storage unit 12. In this case, when acquiring the second content data, the information acquisition unit 31 does not need to perform the transcoding process again, and may acquire the second content data stored in the storage unit 12.

  Further, not only video data but also audio data may be subjected to processing for converting a compression method or an encoding method. Also, if the audio data of the original content data is 5.1 channel surround data, the amount of information can be reduced even if this audio data is converted into 2 channel stereo data. Therefore, in the transcoding process, the number of channels may be increased or decreased, for example, the audio data is converted into 2-channel stereo data.

  In addition, even if the quality of the video data is reduced, the audio data may be data having the same quality as the audio data of the original content data. In particular, the original content data is MPEG-2 TS (Transport Stream), MPEG-4, H.264. In the case of encoding with H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC, if the low-quality second content data is generated by thinning out the frame of the video data of the original content data, the video data of the second content data is reduced in quality. The audio data can be equivalent to the audio data of the original content data.

  The data block generation unit 32 divides the acquired original content data into a plurality of data blocks (packets and the like) Pa_1, Pa_2,. Here, the i-th data block obtained by the division is specified by the block specifying information Na (i). The data block generation unit 32 divides the generated second content data into a plurality of data blocks (packets and the like) Pb_1, Pb_2,. The jth data block obtained by this division is specified by the block specifying information Nb (j). Here, the division into data blocks may be performed in units of packets of a predetermined size, for example.

  The data block generation unit 32 is obtained by dividing the second content data with a sequence of information Na (1), Na (2),... Specifying each data block obtained by dividing the original content data. A sequence of information Nb (1), Nb (2),.

  Here, in the first data block Pa_1 (identified by the block identification information Na (1)) obtained by dividing the original content data, the reproduction position (first) at time 0 of the original content data is set as the first reproduction position. , Content data having a terminal side reproduction position (time) ta_1 is included, and Pa_2 (identified by block identification information Na (2)) is content data from the head side reproduction position ta_1 to the terminal side reproduction position ta_2. Is included. Similarly, in the i-th data block Pa_i (specified by the block specifying information Na (i)) obtained by dividing the original content data, from the head side playback position ta_ (i-1) to the terminal side playback position. Content data up to ta_i is included (however, ta_0 = 0). In an example of the present embodiment, the data block generation unit 32 adds, to each of the generated data blocks, the head side playback position ta_ (i-1) and the terminal side playback position ta_i of the original content data included in the data block. The reproduction time information representing each of the above may be included.

  Similarly, in the first data block Pb_1 obtained by dividing the second content data (identified by the block identification information Nb (1)), the reproduction position at the time 0 of the second content data (first reproduction) Content data from the position) to the terminal side playback position (time) tb_1, and Pb_2 (specified by the block specifying information Nb (2)) includes data from the head side playback position tb_1 to the terminal side playback position tb_2. Contains content data. Similarly, in the i-th data block Pb_i (specified by the block specifying information Nb (i)) obtained by dividing the original content data, the end side playback position from the head side playback position tb_ (i-1) is set. Content data up to tb_i is included (where tb_0 = 0). In an example of the present embodiment, the data block generation unit 32 includes, for each of the generated data blocks, the start playback position tb_ (i-1) and the end playback position of the second content data included in the data block. Information of reproduction time representing each of tb_i may be included.

  Here, the playback time of the moving image represented by the information included in each data block obtained by dividing the original content data with higher image quality is divided into the second content data with lower image quality for the same part of the content data. The playback time of the moving image represented by the information included in each data block (packet) obtained in this way is shorter. That is, as exemplified in FIG. 3, the number of packets (referred to as first type packets) obtained by dividing the original content data is equal to the number of packets (second packet) obtained by dividing the second content data. The number of seed packets). Here, the data size of each packet is not limited to the first type and the second type, but is constant (the predetermined size).

  Therefore, the data block generation unit 32 according to the present embodiment specifies the second type packet including the content data at the reproduction position corresponding to the reproduction position of the content data included in each first type packet in each of the first type packets. Information (referred to as switching destination identification information). Specifically, the data block generation unit 32 includes content data from the first type packet Pa_i (start side reproduction position ta_ (i-1) to the terminal side reproduction position ta_i) specified by the block specification information Na (i). ) As block type information Nb (j) that satisfies the condition that | tb_j−ta_i | <Δt and | tb_j−ta_i | The specified second type packet Pb_j is searched. Here, | * | means the absolute value of *. Δt is a predetermined time.

  When a second type packet satisfying | tb_j−ta_i | <Δt is found by the search, the data block generation unit 32 sets block specifying information Nb (j) for specifying the second type packet Pb_j as i. The first type packet Pa_i is included as a header or a trailer, for example. Specifically, the block specifying information Nb (j) for specifying the j-th type 2 packet Pb_j may be the value of j (that is, a serial number) or not necessarily a serial number.

  If the second type packet satisfying | tb_j−ta_i | <Δt cannot be found by the search, the data block generation unit 32 sets the second type packet as the switching destination specifying information for the first type packet Pa_i. Does not include block identification information that identifies In this case, the portion that should contain the block specifying information for specifying the second type packet may be padded with predetermined data.

  When the second type packet Pb_j is searched under the above conditions, a maximum Δt gap (non-reproduced period) may occur. Therefore, Δt may be set differently depending on whether tb_j−ta_i is positive or negative. Specifically, it may be set such that Δt is smaller when tb_j−ta_i is negative (there is a portion not to be reproduced) than when tb_j−ta_i is positive (reproduction position returns).

  At this time, by setting Δt to “0” when tb_j−ta_i is negative, a condition that tb_j−ta_i is not negative may be imposed. If | tb_j−ta_i | <Δt, the data block generation unit 32 finds the second type packet that satisfies the condition that tb_j <ta_i and | tb_j−ta_i | The block specifying information Nb (j) for specifying the second type packet Pb_j may be included as, for example, a header or a trailer with respect to the i-th first type packet Pa_i. In this case, information on the terminal side reproduction position ta_i may be further included. This is because, on the communication device 2 side, the second type packet Pb_j can jump to the reproduction position corresponding to the terminal side reproduction position ta_i and continue the reproduction.

  Further, the data block generation unit 32 includes second content data from the second type packet Pb_j (start side reproduction position tb_ (j-1) to end side reproduction position tb_j) identified by the block identification information Nb (j). ) Satisfying the condition that | tb_j−ta_i | <Δt and | tb_j−ta_i | are minimum as the first type packet including the original content data at the reproduction position corresponding to)) The first type packet Pa_i specified by is searched.

  The data block generation unit 32 uses the block identification information Na (j) identifying the first type packet Pa_i found by the search as part of the second type packet Pb_j, such as a header or a trailer, as switching destination identification information. It may be included. Specifically, the block specifying information Na (j) for specifying the j-th type 1 packet Pa_j may be the value of j itself (that is, a serial number) or may not necessarily be a serial number.

  In this case, Δt may be set to be smaller when ta_i-tb_j is negative (there is a portion not to be reproduced) than when ta_i-tb_j is positive (reproduction position returns).

  At this time, by setting Δt when “ta_i−tb_j” is negative to “0”, a condition that ta_i−tb_j is not negative may be imposed. If | tb_j−ta_i | <Δt, the data block generation unit 32 finds the first type packet that satisfies the condition that ta_i <tb_j and | tb_j−ta_i | The block specifying information Na (i) for specifying the first type packet Pa_i may be included as, for example, a header or a trailer with respect to the jth second type packet Pb_j. In this case, information on the terminal side reproduction position tb_j may be further included. This is because, on the communication device 2 side, the first type packet Pa_i can jump to the reproduction position corresponding to the terminal side reproduction position tb_j and continue the reproduction.

  As a result, the data block including the content data corresponding to the reproduction position corresponding to each other is identified in each data block obtained by dividing the original content data and each data block obtained by dividing the second content data. Block identification information (switch destination identification information) to be included is included.

  The transmission unit 33 sends these data blocks (first type packet and second type packet) to the communication device 2 that has requested the provision of the image information from the head side while referring to the reproduction order data table. Send sequentially. In the present embodiment, the transmitting unit 33 establishes at least one communication session (specifically, a TCP session) with the communication device 2 via the communication unit 13 (network interface), and this communication session. The first and second type packets are sequentially transmitted via the.

  In addition, the transmission unit 33 specifies the data block type from the communication device 2 side together with information specifying the type of the data block (in this example, either the first type packet or the second type packet) and the block specifying information. Accept data block request. When the transmission unit 33 accepts this request, the transmission unit 33 searches the reproduction order data table for a data block of a specified type and specified by the specified block specifying information.

  Then, the transmitting unit 33 sets block specifying information for specifying the data block (i, i + 1, i + 2. Read sequentially, read the data block specified by the read block specifying information from the storage unit 12, and sequentially transmit. At this time, transmission of data blocks other than the designated type may be interrupted.

  For example, when Nb (i) is received as block specifying information together with the information specifying the second type packet and the data block request, the transmission unit 33 interrupts the transmission of the first type packet and is specified by these information. Second type packets Pb_ (i), Pb_ (i + 1), Pb_ (i + 2)... That are data blocks after the second type packet Pb_i. Further, when receiving an instruction to return to normal transmission, the transmission unit 33 resumes transmission of the first type packet and the second type packet sequentially from the data block next to the already transmitted data block. .

  In addition, the transmission unit 33 includes information specifying the type of data block (in this example, either the first type or the second type packet) and the block specifying information from the communication device 2 side, and the block specifying information. The request of the data block before or after the number specified by the data block specified in (1) is accepted. When the transmission unit 33 accepts this request, the data block of the specified type, which is the data block specified before or after the data block specified by the specified block specifying information, is reproduced as the reproduction order data. Search from the table.

  Then, the transmission unit 33 sequentially reads the block specifying information for specifying the data blocks after the position on the reproduction order data table found as a result of the search, and sequentially transmits the data block specified by the read block specifying information. To do. At this time, transmission of data blocks other than the designated type may be interrupted.

  Specifically, the transmitter 33 specifies information specifying the second type packet from the communication device 2 side and block specifying information (here, the i-th data block is specified), and the block specifying information Upon accepting a request for a data block that is the number n before or after the specified number of data blocks based on the specified data block (here, the data block after n = 1 is requested), the transmitting unit 33 specifies The data block of the specified type, and the data block after the number n = 1 designated from the i-th data block (i + 1-th data block in this example) is searched from the reproduction order data table.

Then, the transmission unit 33 sequentially reads block specifying information for specifying data blocks after the position on the reproduction order data table found as a result of the search, interrupts transmission of the first type packet, and uses these information. The second type packets Pb_ (i + 1), Pb_ (i + 2), etc. after the second type packet Pb_ (i + 1), which is one data block after the specified second type packet Pb_i, are sequentially Send. Further, when receiving an instruction to return to normal transmission, the transmission unit 33 resumes transmission of the first type packet and the second type packet sequentially from the data block next to the already transmitted data block. .
Furthermore, in an example of the present embodiment, the transmission unit 33 further accepts a request for a data block together with designation of a reproduction time (tau) from the communication device 2 side.

  For each of the first and second type packets stored in the storage unit 12, the transmission unit 33 sets the corresponding reproduction time τ designated as the corresponding head-side reproduction position t_ (i-1) and terminal-side reproduction position t_i. Is a data block (first type packet) that satisfies the condition t_ (i-1) ≦ τ ≦ t_i and includes the information of the head reproduction position t_ (i−1) closest to the designated reproduction time τ. And the second type packet).

  The transmission unit 33 sends data blocks (i, i + 1, i + 2...) After the position (respectively i-th and j-th) of each data block found as a result of the search in the reproduction order data table. , J, j + 1, j + 2... Data block) are sequentially read, and the data block (both first type packet and second type packet) specified by the read block specifying information is stored. The data is read from the unit 12 and transmitted sequentially.

  The control unit 21 of the communication apparatus 2 is functionally configured to include a receiving unit 41, a buffer unit 42, a selecting unit 43, and a reproduction processing unit 44, as illustrated in FIG.

  Here, the receiving unit 41 receives a data block (the first and second type packets) transmitted by the information storage device 1. Specifically in the example of the present embodiment, the receiving unit 41 establishes at least one communication session (specifically, a TCP session may be established) with the information storage device 1 via the communication unit 25. The receiving unit 41 receives the first and second type packets transmitted from the information storage device 1 via the communication session, and stores them in the buffer unit 42. The reception of the data block by the receiving unit 41 means that during normal content data playback processing (while trick play described later is not instructed), the playback position of the content data being played back by the playback processing unit 44 described later Regardless, the information is sequentially received from the information storage device 1 in the order of transmission, that is, from the beginning of the content data. The buffer unit 42 accumulates and holds the data blocks (the first and second type packets) received by the receiving unit 41.

  The selection unit 43 performs a process of selecting and outputting one of the first and second type packets received by the reception unit 41 as a reproduction target based on a predetermined condition. An example of the operation of the selection unit 43 is specifically shown in FIG. The selection unit 43 selects one of the first and second type packets received by the reception unit 41 as a reproduction target based on a predetermined condition (S1).

  Then, the selection unit 43 is one of the first and second type packets selected as the reproduction target, and among the data blocks stored in the buffer unit 42, the data block received first (or the reproduction) The data block that has not been marked as played back, such as the flag indicating that it has been played back, and that has been received first, that is, the data block to be played back next, is output to the playback processing unit 44. (S2). Further, the selection unit 43 deletes the output data block from the buffer unit 42 (or may mark it as reproduced, for example, by setting a flag indicating that it has been reproduced).

  The selection unit 43 repeats the operation of selecting which type of packet together with the selective output of the one type of packet. That is, the selection unit 43 further selects one of the first and second type packets received by the reception unit 41 as a reproduction target based on a predetermined condition (S3), and the result of the previous selection. It is determined whether or not (S4).

  If it is determined that the selection is different from the previous selection, that is, the first type packet is output in the process S2 and the second type packet is selected in the process S3, or the second type packet is selected in the process S2. When the first type packet is selected in the process S3, the selection unit 43 performs a switching process described later (S5).

  Then, the selection unit 43 checks whether there is a next data block that is the first type or second type packet selected in step S4 (S6). If there is no next data block (if No, that is, if it reaches the end of the moving image), the selection unit 43 ends the process. If there is a next data block in process S6 (if Yes), the selection unit 43 returns to process S2 and continues the process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in process S4 that it is not different from the previous selection, that is, the first type packet is output in process S2 and the first type packet is selected in process S3, or in process S2. If the second type packet is output and the second type packet is selected in step S4, the selection unit 43 proceeds to step S6.

  Further, the switching process (the process of the process S5) by the selection unit 43 is specifically as follows. That is, the selection unit 43 reads the block specifying information (Na (i) or Nb (j)) included in the data block output in the operation of the immediately preceding process S2. In addition, the selection unit 43 reads block specifying information that is switching destination identification information from the data block output in the operation of the immediately preceding process S2.

  Then, the selection unit 43 is a data block of a type to be reproduced among the data blocks stored in the buffer unit 42, and is a data block corresponding to the read block specifying information (referred to as a corresponding data block). ) If the corresponding data block is stored in the buffer unit 42, the selection unit 43 further selects the type of data block to be played back, and performs the previous search from the data block received first. The data blocks up to the found corresponding data block are deleted from the buffer unit 42 (or marked as reproduced), the process proceeds to step S2, and the data block received next to the corresponding data block (the data block to be reproduced next) ) If a data block to be reproduced next is found by this search, the found data block is output to the reproduction processing unit 44.

  At this time, if the corresponding data block or the data block received next to the corresponding data block (the data block to be reproduced next) is not stored in the buffer unit 42, the selection unit 43 selects in the immediately preceding process S3. The specified data block to be reproduced and the read block specifying information are transmitted to the information storage device 1 and the data block specified by the block specifying information (corresponding to the corresponding data block) Then, a request for a data block after 1 is transmitted to the information storage device 1.

  By the operation of the selection unit 43, the block specifying information included in the data block (the first type packet here) of the original content data being reproduced is referred to, and the data block of the second content data corresponding to the block specifying information Refer to block specifying information included in the data block (second type packet here) of the second content data being reproduced or the process of starting playback from the next data block (second type packet here) Thus, the process of starting reproduction from the data block next to the data block (the first type packet here) of the original content data corresponding to the block specifying information is realized.

  In the above description, the condition for the selection unit 43 to select one of the first and second type packets as a reproduction target is, for example, that the reception speed (throughput) of the first type packet in the reception unit 41 is set in advance. It may be a condition whether or not a predetermined threshold value is exceeded. When the reproduction processing unit 44 outputs information indicating that one of the first and second type packets is to be reproduced, the selection unit 43 selects the first and second type packets according to the instruction. Either one is selected as a playback target.

  Further, the selection unit 43 receives an instruction to specify either the first or second type packet as a reproduction target from the user, and the first instruction is given as the reproduction target on condition that the instruction is given. Either one of the first and second type packets may be selected as a reproduction target. In addition, various selection conditions in the selection unit 43 can be considered.

  The reproduction processing unit 44 extracts content data included in the data block input from the selection unit 43, decodes the extracted content data, and reproduces a moving image. Since this reproduction process can employ a widely known method, a detailed description thereof is omitted here. In the present embodiment, the reproduction processing unit 44 accepts input of user instruction content from the operation unit 23. If the user gives a so-called “trick play” instruction such as rewinding or fast-forwarding according to the contents of the instruction, or a jump instruction specifying a reproduction time, processing corresponding to the instruction is executed.

  In an example of the present embodiment, setting information indicating which type of data block (in this case, the first type or the second type packet) is recorded in the storage unit 22 for each type of trick play. (FIG. 6). In the example of FIG. 6, it is set that the second type packet should be used in the case of rewinding or fast forwarding, and the first type packet should be used in the case of pause or frame advance.

  The reproduction processing unit 44 refers to setting information associated with the type of trick play related to the input instruction, and checks which type of data block is used. Specifically, when the rewind instruction is accepted, the reproduction processing unit 44 refers to the setting information and acquires information indicating that the second type packet should be used. Then, the playback processing unit 44 moves the playback position in the direction opposite to that during normal playback at a speed determined by a predetermined method (while requesting a data block n previous to the data block currently being played back). ), Moving image reproduction processing is performed.

  Further, when receiving the fast-forward instruction, the reproduction processing unit 44 refers to the setting information and acquires information indicating that the second type packet should be used. Then, the playback processing unit 44 moves the playback position to the end side at a speed determined by a predetermined method (a speed different from the speed during normal playback) (data that is n data after the data block currently being played back). While requesting a block), a moving image reproduction process is performed.

  Further, when receiving a pause instruction, the reproduction processing unit 44 refers to the setting information and acquires information indicating that the first type packet should be used. Then, the playback processing unit 44 acquires the first type packet including the content data at the current playback position, refers to the content data included in the acquired first type packet, and represents the content data at the current playback position. Generate a still image. Then, the reproduction processing unit 44 performs processing for displaying the still image.

  The acquisition of the first type packet including the content data at the current reproduction position is performed as follows. When the reproduction processing unit 44 receives a pause instruction while executing the reproduction process based on the content data included in the first type packet, the reproduction processing unit 44 selects the first type packet that is the target of the reproduction process. Processing is performed to generate a still image represented by the content data at the current reproduction position and display the still image.

  On the other hand, if the reproduction processing unit 44 receives a pause instruction when performing the reproduction process based on the content data included in the second type packet, the reproduction processing unit 44 receives the second type that is the target of the reproduction process. The first type packet specified by the block specifying information is read from the buffer unit 42 with reference to block specifying information (information specifying the corresponding first type packet) included in the packet, and the read first type packet Is used to generate a still image represented by the content data at the current reproduction position and display the still image.

  Further, upon receiving a jump instruction designating the reproduction time, the reproduction processing unit 44 searches for a data block corresponding to the reproduction time. In this example, it is assumed that each data block includes information on the reproduction time indicating the start reproduction position and the end reproduction position of the content data included in the data block.

  In an example of the present embodiment, the playback processing unit 44, if the specified playback time τ is after the current playback time (current playback time), the first type packet stored in the buffer unit 42. Among these, the corresponding start playback position t_ (i-1) and end playback position t_i satisfy t_ (i-1) ≦ τ ≦ t_i for the specified playback time τ, and The first type packet including the information of the head side reproduction position t_ (i−1) closest to the reproduction time τ is searched.

  If the first type packet that matches the above condition is found from the buffer unit 42, the reproduction processing unit 44 first received the first type packet among the first type packets stored in the buffer unit 42. To the first type packet received immediately before the found first type packet is deleted (or marked as reproduced). The reproduction processing unit 44 then outputs an instruction to the selection unit 43 indicating that the first type packet should be selected. Thus, the reproduction process is continued from the found first type packet.

  Further, when the first type packet that matches the above condition is not found from the buffer unit 42, the reproduction processing unit 44 transmits a data block request to the information storage device 1 together with the designated reproduction time τ. The reproduction processing unit 44 then outputs an instruction to the selection unit 43 indicating that the first type packet or the second type packet should be selected. Thereby, the reproduction process is continued from the first type packet after the designated time point. Specifically, the reproduction processing unit 44 may output an instruction to the selection unit 43 indicating that the first type packet should be selected when a jump to a reproduction time ahead of the current reproduction time is instructed. In addition, when the reproduced data block is deleted and a jump to the reproduction time ahead of the current reproduction time is instructed, an instruction to select the second type packet is selected. 43 may be output.

  Further, if the data block corresponding to the designated reproduction time is not stored in the buffer unit 42 by the processing of the selection unit 43 and the reproduction processing unit 44, the corresponding data block is requested to the information storage device 1. become. Further, when the data storage throughput falls below a predetermined threshold when the information storage device 1 is requested for the corresponding data block, the second type packet is selectively selected by the operation of the selection unit 43. It will be used and played back.

  When a reproduced data block has been deleted, if a jump to a reproduction time ahead of the current reproduction time is instructed, the reproduction processing unit 44 designates the data block without searching for the data block. A request for a data block may be transmitted to the information storage device 1 together with the reproduction time τ. In this case, the reproduction processing unit 44 may output an instruction to the selection unit 43 to select the second type packet when at least the second type packet is received from the information storage device 1.

  According to this example, reproduction with low image quality (reproduction using the second type packet) is initially performed, and when the throughput condition or the like becomes a predetermined state by the processing of the selection unit 43 later, the image quality becomes high. Switching to playback (playback using the first type packet).

  In addition, in the above-described processing for trick play, the reproduction processing unit 44 specifies a data block corresponding to the reproduction position if content data corresponding to the reproduction position to be reproduced is not stored in the buffer unit 42. The specific information, information specifying the type of data block specified by the acquired information, and a request for the specified data block are transmitted to the information storage device 1. The information storage device 1 receives a predetermined type of data block transmitted in response to the request, and performs a reproduction process (in trick play) of a moving image using the predetermined type of data block.

  The present embodiment includes the above configuration and operates as follows. In the present embodiment, the information storage device 1 stores and holds relatively high-quality original content data. When the information storage device 1 accepts a request for provision of image information from the communication device 2 side, the information storage device 1 extracts the original content data that is the subject of the provision request, and has a different image quality from the original content data (here, a relatively low image quality). The second content data is generated and acquired.

  The information storage device 1 divides the acquired original content data and the second content data corresponding to the original content data into a plurality of data blocks, respectively. Here, data blocks obtained by dividing the original content data are referred to as first type packets Pa_1, Pa_2,..., And data blocks obtained by dividing the second content data are referred to as second type packets Pb_1, Pb_2,. Here, each of the first type packets Pa_i (i = 1, 2,...) Includes content data from ta_ (i−1) to ta_i as the reproduction position (reproduction time from the beginning of the content data). And Each of the second type packets Pb_j (j = 1, 2,...) Includes content data from tb_ (j−1) to tb_j as reproduction positions.

  For each of i = 1, 2,..., The information storage device 1 stores information on the head side reproduction position ta_ (i−1) of the i th first type packet Pa_i and the i−1 th first type packet Pa_ ( Reference is made to the information on the head side reproduction position ta_ (i-2) of i-1), and ta_ (i-2) <tb_ (j-1) ≦ ta_ (i-1) (however, when i = 1, The j-th second type packet Pb_j that satisfies tb_ (j-1) = 0) is searched for, and the information storage apparatus 1 identifies block specifying information (for example, the j-th second type packet Pb_j). j may be the value itself, and it is not necessarily a serial number) is included in the header of the i-th type 1 packet Pa_i.

  Further, the information storage device 1 refers to the information on the start reproduction position tb_ (j-1) of the j-th second type packet Pb_j for each of j = 1, 2,..., Tb_ (j-2) <tb_ The j-th second type packet Pb_j that satisfies (j-1) ≦ ta_ (i−1) (provided that (tb_ (j−1) = 0) when i = 1) is searched, and the information storage device 1 Is the block identification information for identifying the j-th type 2 packet Pb_j (for example, the value of j itself may not be necessarily a sequential number) in the header of the i-th type 1 packet Pa_i. include.

  The information storage device 1 transmits the first type packet and the second type packet sequentially (in order from the data block including the content data on the head side) to the communication device 2 that has made the provision request.

  The communication device 2 receives and stores a first type packet including original content data and a second type packet corresponding to the original content data and including second content data having a different image quality from the original content data. 22 to hold. For example, the communication device 2 calculates the throughput of data received from the information storage device 1 (an amount corresponding to the amount of received data per second). When the calculated throughput exceeds a predetermined threshold, the communication device 2 sequentially reads the held first type packets Pa_1, Pa_2... And is included in the read first type packet. A moving image is reproduced based on the content data.

  The communication device 2 continues to receive the first type packet and the second type packet even during reproduction of the moving image, and calculates the throughput of data received from the information storage device 1. Then, when the calculated throughput falls below a predetermined threshold during the execution of the reproduction process based on the content data included in the first type packet, for example, the communication device 2 reproduces the content being reproduced at that time The first type packet including data is referred to, and block specifying information included in the first type packet is acquired. The communication device 2 reads the second type packet Pb_ (j + 1) received next to the second type packet Pb_j specified by the acquired block specifying information (Nb (j)) from the storage unit 22. . Then, the moving image is reproduced based on the content data included in the read second type packet Pb_ (j + 1). Hereinafter, the communication device 2 reads out the second type packets Pb_ (j + 2), Pb_ (j + 3)... And reproduces the moving image based on the content data included therein.

  The communication device 2 also stores the second type packet Pb_ (j + 1) received next to the second type packet Pb_j specified by the block specifying information included in the first type packet in the storage unit 22. If not (if not buffered), the information storage device 1 is identified by the data block specified by the block specifying information together with the information specifying the second type packet and the block specifying information Nb (j). Send a request for a data block after one. As a response to the request from the information storage device 1, second type packets Pb_ (j + 1), Pb_ (j + 2)... Below the second type packet Pb_ (j + 1) are received and stored in the storage unit 22. Store and read the received second type packet Pb_ (j + 1) from the storage unit 22. Then, the moving image is reproduced based on the content data included in the read second type packet Pb_ (j + 1). Hereinafter, the communication device 2 reads out the second type packets Pb_ (j + 2), Pb_ (j + 3)... And reproduces the moving image based on the content data included therein.

  Further, the communication device 2 continues to receive the first type packet and the second type packet even during reproduction of the moving image, and calculates the throughput of the data received from the information storage device 1. Then, for example, when the calculated throughput again exceeds a predetermined threshold value during execution of the reproduction process based on the content data included in the second type packet, the communication device 2 reproduces at that time. The second type packet including the content data being processed is referred to, and the block specifying information included in the second type packet is acquired. The communication device 2 reads the first type packet Pa_ (i + 1) received next to the first type packet Pa_i specified by the acquired block specifying information (Na (i)) from the storage unit 22. . Then, a moving image is reproduced based on the content data included in the read first type packet Pa_ (i + 1). Hereinafter, the communication device 2 reads out the first type packets Pa_ (i + 2), Pa_ (i + 3)... And reproduces the moving image based on the content data included therein.

  Further, in the above-described example, when the communication device 2 according to the present embodiment receives a trick play instruction such as rewind or fast forward from the user, the communication device 2 of the type set in advance according to the type of the accepted trick play. The data block is read out and the reproduction process related to trick play is to be continued. However, this embodiment is not limited to this.

  For example, when a trick play instruction is issued, a data block related to content data with lower image quality is always read out or received (requesting its transmission), and based on the content data contained in the data block A moving image reproduction process may be performed. According to this example, setting is not necessarily required, and when a rewind or fast forward instruction is accepted, the communication device 2 executes a playback process related to rewind or fast forward based on the content data included in the second type packet. The Rukoto.

  In addition, the information storage device 1 according to the present embodiment establishes a plurality of communication sessions (specifically, TCP sessions may be established) with the communication device 2, and the original content data (including the first type packet), The second content data (including the second type packet) may be transmitted via different communication sessions.

  In this case, when the control unit 21 of the communication device 2 performs the switching process as the operation of the selection unit 43, the communication session related to the one-side content data received before the switching is disconnected, and thereafter the playback is performed after the switching. It is also possible to receive exclusively the content data (including data blocks) on the other side. In the switching process, only when the content data on one side received before switching is content data with higher image quality than the content data on the other side to be reproduced after switching (that is, in the above example, Only when switching from the original content data to the second content data), the communication session related to the one-side content data (original content data in the above example) received before the switching may be disconnected.

  Furthermore, in this case, when the reception throughput of the content data after the switching exceeds a predetermined threshold, the communication device 2 resumes the communication session related to the one side content data received before the switching, The block specific information included in the data block including the currently reproduced content data is referred to, and the data block related to the one-side content data after the data block specified by the referenced block specific information You may make it request | require transmission with respect to the information storage apparatus 1. FIG.

  For example, when the reception of the second type packet is completed, the control unit 21 of the communication apparatus 2 receives the first type from the terminal side of the content data through the communication session that has received the second type packet. The seed packets Pa_N, Pa_ (N−1)... Are sequentially requested. In response to this request, the information storage device 1 sequentially sends out the first type packets Pa_N, Pa_ (N−1). The communication device 2 receives the first type packet transmitted by the information storage device 1 and stores it in the storage unit 22.

Further, in the example of the present embodiment, the information storage device 1 uses the permutations Pa_N, Pa_ () of the first type packets that are the inverted original content data in which the first type packets Pa_1, Pa_2,. N-1)... Are generated and stored in advance, and the control unit 21 of the communication device 2 corresponds to the currently received original content data, for example, when the reception of the second type packet is completed. The inverted original content data may be requested from the information storage device 1. Also in this case, in response to the request, the information storage device 1 sequentially transmits the first type packets Pa_N, Pa_ (N−1)... Corresponding to the end of the content data in a retroactive manner.
Further, when the last received type 1 packet of the first type packet received from the head side matches the first type packet received in reverse order, the control unit 21 of the communication device 2 starts at that time. The reception from the side and the reception in the reverse order may be terminated.

  When all the first type packets are stored in the storage unit 22 in this way, the communication device 2 may disconnect all communication sessions with the information storage device 1.

  Further, the control unit 21 of the communication device 2 has received the relatively high-quality content data when the reception of the first type packet is completed even though the reception of the second type packet is not completed, for example. Therefore, the communication device 2 may disconnect all communication sessions with the information storage device 1. The communication device 2 in this case also uses the content data of the first type packet that has been received even when receiving an instruction for trick play. The subsequent reproduction processing may be performed based on the content data included in the first type packet.

  In the description so far, when a plurality of communication sessions are established between the information storage device 1 and the communication device 2, the physical layers may be the same. That is, the plurality of communication sessions may all relate to communication performed through one network interface card and the wireless LAN interface. However, in the present embodiment, for example, original content data (related to the first type packet) having different image quality and second content data (related to the second type packet) are communication sessions related to different communication methods. It may be transmitted and received via.

  As an example, in an example of the present embodiment, an information storage device includes a first communication session in which the communication device 2 is connected via a wireless LAN network and a second communication session connected via an LTE line. Established with 1. And the information storage apparatus 1 is good also as sending a 1st type packet via a 1st communication session, and sending a 2nd type packet via a 2nd communication session.

  Note that what type of communication session the type 1 packet and type 2 packet are transmitted / received through is determined experimentally from, for example, the time from request transmission to response, statistics of past communication results, etc. May be. The past communication statistics include the location information of the communication device 2 (geographic information that can be acquired using GPS (Global Positioning System)) and information that identifies the base station or access point that is the direct communication destination. , Etc., and may be selected and referred to based on current position information or information specifying a direct communication destination.

  Further, in the description so far, the specification of the data block corresponding to the same reproduction position between the first type packet and the second type packet is based on the block specifying information for specifying the data block itself. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, each data block may include information on the start side reproduction position and information on the end side reproduction position of the content data included in each data block. .

  In this case, in the switching process of the communication apparatus 2, the selection unit 43 refers to the start side reproduction position information t_ (i-1) and the terminal side reproduction position information t_i of the previously selected type of packet. Then, the selection unit 43 has the start side reproduction position t ′ _ (j−1) of the newly selected type of packet after the reference start side reproduction position information t_ (i−1), The j-th packet before the information t_i of the terminal side reproduction position, that is, t_ (i−1) <t ′ _ (j−1) ≦ t_ (i−1) is searched.

  Specifically, when the i-th type 1 packet is output in the process S2 of FIG. 5, the selection unit 43 includes information ta_ (i−1) of the start side reproduction position of the i-th type 1 packet, Reference is made to the information ta_i of the terminal side reproduction position. Then, the selection unit 43 sets the j-th next type 2 packet (j + 1-th packet) whose start side reproduction position tb_ (j-1) is ta_ (i-1) <tb_ (j-1) ≦ ta_i. The second type packet) is searched from the buffer unit 42.

  Also by the operation of the selection unit 43, the reproduction is started from the data block (second type packet here) of the second content data corresponding to the data block (first type packet here) of the original content data being reproduced. Or a process of starting reproduction from a data block (first type packet here) corresponding to a data block (second type packet here) of the second content data being reproduced. The

  In the above description of the present embodiment, the second content data, that is, content data having an image quality different from that of the original content data originally stored in the information storage device 1 is determined when provision of the content data is requested. However, the information storage apparatus 1 generates the second content data in advance and stores it in the storage unit 12 in association with the corresponding original content data. Also good. In this case, the information storage device 1 reads and acquires the second content data from the storage unit 12 without generating the second content data again.

  Furthermore, the information storage device 1 according to an example of the present embodiment receives and stores content data as a digital broadcast signal. In the case of this example, content data with a relatively low image quality (so-called one-segment) is distributed through one of 13 segments, as in terrestrial digital broadcasting, which is one of the Japanese digital broadcasting signal systems. If content data with a relatively high image quality (so-called full segment) is distributed via the remaining 12 segments, the information storage device 1 includes a plurality of tuners, and the full-segment content data of the same channel, Content data may be accumulated all at once. In this example, full-segment content data is original content data, and one-segment content data is treated as second content data.

Furthermore, in the case of such an example, the information storage device 1 does not necessarily include a plurality of tuners, and may store all 13 segment data. In this case, 12-segment data (so-called full-segment content data) is extracted from the data and stored in the storage unit 12 as original content data, and one-segment content data is extracted from the 13-segment data. It is good also as storing in the memory | storage part 12 as 2 content data.
According to this example, the transcoding process (or the hardware transcoder unit 14) is not necessary, and the configuration becomes simple.

  Furthermore, the information storage device 1 according to the present embodiment does not generate the original content data by transcoding at the time when the provision of the content data is requested, but other devices connected via the network ( You may make it search the 2nd content data accumulate | stored in NAS, a personal computer, etc.). In other words, the information storage device 1 searches the requested original content data for content data having an image quality different from that of the original content data from being stored in another device connected via the network.

  If the second content data corresponding to the requested original content data is stored in another device connected via the network, the information storage device 1 stores the second content data in the other device. Get from. In this case, the information storage device 1 acquires the second content data from another device connected via the network without generating the second content data.

  Further, here, an example has been described in which there are two pieces of content data having different image quality from each other. However, more, that is, three or more pieces of content data having different image quality may be acquired. Also in this case, the information storage device 1 sends a plurality of pieces of content data having different image quality to the communication device 2 at the same time (multiple).

  Further, when the calculated throughput falls below a predetermined threshold during the execution of the reproduction process based on the content data included in the first type packet, the communication device 2 includes the content data being reproduced at that time. With reference to the first type packet, the block specifying information included in the first type packet is acquired. Then, the communication device 2 stores the second type packet Pb_ (j + 1) received after the second type packet Pb_j specified by the acquired block specifying information (Nb (j)) from the storage unit 22. read out.

  At this time, when the first type packet including the content data being reproduced includes the information on the terminal side reproduction position ta_i together with the block specifying information, the communication device 2 reads the second type packet Pb_ (j + When starting playback of a moving image based on the content data included in 1), playback may be performed by jumping to a playback position corresponding to the terminal playback position ta_i. Hereinafter, the communication device 2 reads out the second type packets Pb_ (j + 2), Pb_ (j + 3)... And reproduces the moving image based on the content data included therein.

  In addition, when the calculated throughput exceeds the predetermined threshold again during the execution of the reproduction process based on the content data included in the second type packet, the communication device 2 reproduces the reproduction at that time. The block type information included in the second type packet is acquired by referring to the second type packet including the existing content data. Then, the communication device 2 stores the first type packet Pa_ (i + 1) received after the first type packet Pa_i specified by the acquired block specifying information (Na (i)) from the storage unit 22. read out.

  Also at this time, if the second type packet including the content data being reproduced includes the information on the terminal side reproduction position tb_i together with the block specifying information, the communication device 2 reads the first type packet Pa_ (j When starting playback of a moving image based on content data included in (+1), playback may be performed by jumping to a playback position corresponding to the terminal playback position tb_i. Hereinafter, the communication device 2 reads out the first type packets Pa_ (i + 2), Pa_ (i + 3)... And reproduces the moving image based on the content data included therein.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information storage apparatus, 2 Communication apparatus, 11, 21 Control part, 12, 22 Storage part, 13, 25 Communication part, 14 Hardware transcoder part, 23 Operation part, 24 Output part, 31 Information acquisition part, 32 Data block Generation unit, 33 transmission unit, 41 reception unit, 42 buffer unit, 43 selection unit, 44 reproduction processing unit, 130 function unit.

Claims (12)

A content reproduction system including a communication device and an information storage device for storing original content data,
The information storage device includes:
Acquisition means for acquiring the stored original content data and second content data corresponding to the stored original content data and having a different image quality from the original content data;
The original content data and the second content data corresponding to the original content data are each divided into a plurality of data blocks for the communication device, and the data block corresponding to the original content data and the second content data Transmitting means for transmitting the block including block specifying information for specifying the reproduction position corresponding to each other in both of the data blocks corresponding to
Including
The communication device
Receiving means for receiving the original content data and the corresponding second content data from the information storage device;
Reproduction means for selecting and reproducing one of the received original content data and second content data;
including. Receiving means for receiving data blocks obtained by dividing original content data and second content data corresponding to the original content data and having different image quality from the original content data;
Block specifying information for specifying playback positions corresponding to each other is included in both the data block corresponding to the received original content data and the data block corresponding to the second content data,
A communication apparatus comprising a reproducing means for selecting and reproducing one of the received original content data and second content data. The communication device according to claim 2,
When the reproduction means detects that the reception throughput of the data block has fallen below a predetermined threshold while reproducing the original content data, the reproduction means is a data block of second content data, and the reproduction A communication device that refers to block specifying information included in a data block of original content data therein and starts reproduction from a data block of second content data corresponding to the block specifying information. The communication device according to claim 2 or 3,
When the reproduction means detects that the reception throughput of the data block exceeds a predetermined threshold while reproducing the second content data, the reproduction means is a data block of the original content data, and the reproduction A communication device that refers to block specifying information included in a data block of second content data therein and starts reproduction from a data block of original content data corresponding to the block specifying information. The communication device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
When a reproduction instruction in a predetermined mode is accepted during reproduction of either the original content data or the second content data, the data block of the other content data, the one content being reproduced The block specifying information included in the data block of data is referred to, and the playback process in the mode instructed by the playback instruction is executed from the data block of the other content data corresponding to the block specifying information. The communication device according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
The receiving means receives the original content data and the second content data via different communication sessions, respectively.
Means for disconnecting a communication session of the one content data when the reproduction means switches to the other content data and starts reproduction during reproduction of either the original content data or the second content data; In addition. The communication device according to any one of claims 2 to 6,
The communication device is configured to receive the original content data and the second content data via a communication session according to a communication method using a different method. The communication device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein
The receiving means receives the data blocks sequentially from the beginning of the content data regardless of the playback position by the playback means,
When the receiving means completes the reception of the data block related to the second content data up to the last data block, the original content data is transferred via the communication session used for receiving the second content data. It further has means for requesting the transmission source of the original content data to transmit in order from the end. Storage means for storing original content data;
Acquisition means for acquiring the stored original content data and second content data corresponding to the stored original content data and having a different image quality from the original content data;
The original content data and the second content data corresponding to the original content data are each divided into a plurality of data blocks for the communication device, and the data block corresponding to the original content data and the second content data Transmitting means for transmitting the block including block specifying information for specifying the reproduction position corresponding to each other in both of the data blocks corresponding to
An information storage device including: An information storage device according to claim 9, wherein
The transmission means transmits the original content data and the second content data via communication sessions according to communication methods having different methods. Computer
Data blocks obtained by dividing original content data and second content data corresponding to the original content data and having different image quality from the original content data, and corresponding to the received original content data Receiving means for receiving a data block in which block specifying information for specifying a reproduction position corresponding to each other is included in both the data block and the data block corresponding to the second content data;
Reproduction means for selecting and reproducing one of the received original content data and second content data;
Program to function as. A computer connected to a storage device that stores original content data
Acquisition means for acquiring the stored original content data and second content data corresponding to the stored original content data and having a different image quality from the original content data;
The original content data and the second content data corresponding to the original content data are each divided into a plurality of data blocks for the communication device, and the data block corresponding to the original content data and the second content data Transmitting means for transmitting the block including block specifying information for specifying the reproduction position corresponding to each other in both of the data blocks corresponding to
Program to function as.

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