JP2015080160A - Device, method and program for content reproduction - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance convenience for viewing content.SOLUTION: A content reproduction device, which is connected to a display device for reproducing content transmitted through a network, causes the display device to display a list of a plurality of pieces of reproducible content, to accept a command input to continuously reproduce the plurality of pieces of content included in the list. On acceptance of the command input, the content reproduction device causes the display device to reproduce one content selected from among the plurality of pieces of content included in the list, and on completion of the content reproduction, causes the display device to reproduce another content among the plurality of pieces of content included in the list.

Description

  The present invention relates to a content reproduction apparatus, a content reproduction method, and a content reproduction program.

  A content distribution service is provided in which a content server receives a content request transmitted from a content reproduction device via a network in response to an instruction input from a user, and transmits the content to the content reproduction device for reproduction (for example, Patent Document 1). In a content distribution service that distributes a large number of contents such as videos, for example, contents are classified and associated in advance with categories such as movies, dramas, sports, etc., and a category menu screen including a list of such categories is first reproduced. Send to device for display. When one of the categories is selected by the user from the category list displayed on the category menu screen, the content menu screen including a list of contents associated with the selected category is transmitted to the content playback device. Display. When any content is selected by the user from the content list displayed on the content menu screen, the content server starts streaming distribution of the selected content.

JP 2013-168161 A

  However, in the content distribution service as described above, when the streaming distribution ends to the end of the content selected by the user, a menu screen such as a category menu screen or a content menu screen is displayed again on the user content reproduction device. When the user wants to view other contents, it is necessary to search for and select the desired contents from the menu screen again. In this case, the user must perform an operation of selecting another content every time the reproduction of a certain content is completed. Therefore, it is desirable to improve convenience when viewing such content.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a content reproduction apparatus, a content reproduction method, and a content reproduction program that enhance the convenience of viewing content.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, one aspect of the present invention is a content reproduction device connected to a display device that reproduces content transmitted via a network, and includes a list of a plurality of reproducible contents. A content list display control unit to be displayed on the display device, a reception unit that receives an instruction input for continuously reproducing a plurality of contents included in the list, and a plurality of units included in the list when the reception unit receives the instruction input A reproduction control unit that causes the display device to reproduce one content selected from the content, and causes the display device to reproduce other content among the plurality of contents included in the list when the reproduction of the content ends. It is characterized by providing.

  One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the list includes contents of a series associated in advance.

  One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the list includes a plurality of contents selected by a user.

  Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the reception unit receives an instruction input of a stop instruction to stop the reproduction of the content during the reproduction of the content, and the reproduction control unit receives the stop instruction from the reception unit. When an instruction input is received, a first instruction to prompt one of an end instruction to end continuous playback of the plurality of contents and a skip instruction to end the content being played back and start playback of other contents is provided. An end confirmation screen is displayed on the display device, and reproduction of the content is controlled in accordance with an instruction input input in accordance with the first end confirmation screen.

  Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the content list display control unit causes the display device to display an operation element for selecting the content as a target for continuous reproduction for each content included in the list. When a child is selected, information indicating the order in which the content is played is displayed according to the order in which the operator is selected, and any one of the selected operators is deselected. Then, the content corresponding to the released operator is excluded from the target of continuous playback, and information indicating the order in which the order before and after the excluded content is connected is displayed, and the playback control unit responds to the order. The content is continuously played back.

  In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, the reproduction control unit, when a predetermined time elapses after starting the continuous reproduction of the plurality of contents, an end instruction to end the continuous reproduction of the plurality of contents; A second end confirmation screen that prompts one of the instruction inputs to continue the content continuously is displayed on the display device, and in response to the instruction input input according to the second end confirmation screen. The reproduction of the content is controlled.

  In addition, according to an aspect of the present invention, the content list display control unit adds a mark to a content that has been stopped during the previous continuous reproduction among the plurality of contents included in the list, and adds the mark to the display device. It is characterized by being displayed.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a content reproduction device connected to a display device that reproduces content transmitted via a network displays a list of a plurality of reproducible content items on the display device; Receiving an instruction input for continuously reproducing a plurality of contents included in the list; and upon receiving the instruction input, causing the display device to reproduce one content selected from the plurality of contents included in the list, When the reproduction of the content ends, the content reproduction method executes a step of causing the display device to reproduce other content among the plurality of contents included in the list.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer of a content reproduction apparatus connected to a display apparatus that reproduces content transmitted via a network displays a list of a plurality of reproducible contents on the display apparatus; Receiving an instruction input for continuously reproducing a plurality of contents included in the list; and, upon receiving the instruction input, causing the display device to reproduce one content selected from the plurality of contents included in the list. When the reproduction of the content is completed, the content reproduction program causes the display device to reproduce other content among the plurality of contents included in the list.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a content reproduction device connected to a display device that reproduces content displays a list of a plurality of reproducible contents on the display device, and a plurality of contents included in the list are displayed. When an instruction input for continuously playing content is received and the instruction input is received, one content selected from a plurality of contents included in the list is played on the display device, and when the playback of the content ends, Since the display apparatus reproduces other contents among the plurality of contents included in the list, the convenience of viewing the contents can be improved.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the content reproduction system by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of data of the content information by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of data of viewing-and-listening information by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the content menu screen by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the series menu screen by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the 1st completion confirmation screen by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the 2nd completion confirmation screen by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the content reproduction system by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the content reproduction system by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of data of the continuous reproduction information by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the bookmark menu screen by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example when an operator is selected on the bookmark menu screen by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example when it cancel | releases, after an operator is selected in the bookmark menu screen by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the content reproduction system by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a content reproduction system 1 according to the present embodiment. The content reproduction system 1 includes a display device 100, an operation device 200, a content server 300, and a content reproduction device 400. The content server 300 and the content reproduction device 400 are connected via a network 5. . The network 5 is an information communication network configured by, for example, the Internet, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), a dedicated line, or a combination thereof.

  In response to an instruction input from a user, the content playback system 1 is configured such that the content server 300 that receives a content request transmitted from the content playback device 400, which is a so-called STB (Set Top Box), via the network 5, performs content playback. This is a computer system that provides a content distribution service (for example, VOD (Video On Demand)) that causes the device 400 to transmit and play back content. The content is, for example, moving image content.

  The display device 100 is a computer device that reproduces content transmitted from the content server 300. The display device 100 is, for example, a television device that includes a display that outputs video and a speaker that outputs audio. In the present embodiment, in the display device 100, the content transmitted from the content server 300 is received by the content reproduction device 400, output to the display device 100, and reproduced.

  The operation device 200 is a computer device that operates the content reproduction device 400. In the present embodiment, the operation device 200 includes an input unit 201 and a transmission unit 202, and remotely operates (remote control) the content reproduction device 400.

The input unit 201 generates an instruction input signal according to an operation from a user who is a content viewer and outputs the signal to the transmission unit 202. The operation unit 11 includes, for example, a playback button, a stop button, a forward fast forward playback button, a backward fast forward playback button, a forward skip playback button, a backward skip playback button, a determination button, as an operation unit for receiving an instruction input. A back button, a menu button, a red button (red button), a blue button (blue button), a direction button (for example, an upper button, a lower button, a left button, and a right button) are provided.
The transmission unit 202 transmits the signal generated by the input unit 201 to the content reproduction device 400 according to a predetermined communication standard (for example, a communication standard using infrared rays).

  Here, the display device 100, the operation device 200, and the content reproduction device 400 are combined to function as a client device for the user to view content. In the figure, a combination of one set of client devices is shown, but a combination of a plurality of client devices with different users may be connected to the content server 300 via the network 5, for example. Such a plurality of client devices are installed in a plurality of homes, for example.

The content server 300 is a computer device that transmits content to the content reproduction device 400, and includes a communication unit 310, a storage unit 320, and a content transmission control unit 330.
The communication unit 310 communicates with the content reproduction device 400 via the network 5.

The storage unit 320 includes a content information storage unit 321, a content storage unit 322, and a viewing information storage unit 323, and stores various types of information.
The content information storage unit 321 stores content information related to content transmitted by the content server 300. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a data example of content information stored in the content information storage unit 321. The content information includes content ID (Identifier), category, title, series, subtitle, content length, performer, and commentary.

  The content ID is information for identifying the content. The category is information indicating a classification according to the content, and for example, movies, dramas, sports, music, animation, entertainment, hobbies / culture, etc. can be applied. Such categories may be classified hierarchically into more detailed categories. For example, movies are broadly classified into hierarchical categories such as movies (foreign movies), medium categories such as movies (Japanese movies), new works, semi-new works, actions, military, suspense, horror, SF, fantasy, etc. It may be.

  The title is the title of the content. For example, a movie is a movie title, and a drama is a drama title. The series is, for example, a group of works or series of contents that have common points in settings, characters, themes, and the like, and is information indicating that the contents are associated with the same title as other contents. In this case, when the content is a series, information indicating the order of the content in the series is associated, and the information indicates the episode number in the continuous drama. The subtitle is a title of each content in the series. The content length is the length of time of the content, and is represented by, for example, “hour: minute: second (HH: MM: SS)”. The performer is the name and name of the performer of the content. A plurality of performers may be associated with the performer. A plurality of performers can be linked and associated by, for example, a comma (,). The commentary is a sentence explaining the content or the like.

  In this example, for example, the content whose content ID is “content C1” has the category “drama”, the title “title T1”, the “first episode” in the series work, and the subtitle “subtitle ST1”. ", The content length is" 00:15:00 "(0 hour 15 minutes 0 seconds), and the performer is" performer CA1 ".

The content storage unit 322 stores moving image data that is the content entity for each content ID.
The viewing information storage unit 323 stores viewing information related to the viewing status of the user who is predetermined to view the content transmitted from the content server 300. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of viewing information data stored in the viewing information storage unit 323. The viewing information includes information of a user ID, a content ID, a resume point, and a resume flag for continuous playback. The user ID is information for identifying a user who is predetermined to use the content distribution service by the content reproduction system 1. Such a user ID is generated and stored in advance based on, for example, a contract between a provider that provides content by the content server 300 and a user who views the content by the content reproduction device 400.

  The content ID is a content ID that identifies content that can be viewed by the corresponding user. The resume point is information indicating when reproduction is stopped in the content when the user is viewing the content and the content is stopped halfway without viewing the content. The resume flag for continuous playback is used for continuous playback of a series work, which will be described later. This is information indicating the stopped content (number of stories). For example, among series works that have been continuously played, “1” is stored in association with content that has been stopped during continuous playback, and “0” is stored in association with other content. In this example, the content C1, the content C2, and the content C7 are associated as a series work of the same title, and the reproduction is stopped while viewing the content C2.

  In this example, for example, a user whose user ID is “user U1” is “content C1”, “content C2”, “content C3”, “content C4”, “content C5”, “content C6”, “content C7”. "Content C8" can be viewed, and for "content C2", the content length is "00:15:00" (0 hours 15 minutes 0 seconds) "00:09:25" "(0 hour 9 minutes 25 seconds)"

  The content transmission control unit 330 transmits content to the content reproduction device 400 based on various types of information stored in the storage unit 320. For example, the content transmission control unit 330 reads the viewing information stored in the viewing information storage unit 323 in association with the user ID of the user who uses the content playback device 400, and corresponds to the content ID included in the viewing information. The content information to be read is read from the content storage unit 322, and the read viewing information and content information are transmitted to the content reproduction device 400. Further, the content transmission control unit 330 transmits the content to the content reproduction device 400 that is the transmission source of the content request in response to the content request transmitted from the content reproduction device 400. In the present embodiment, the content transmission control unit 330 transmits content to the content reproduction device 400 by streaming distribution. At this time, if the resume point associated with the content to be transmitted to the content reproduction device 400 is stored in the viewing information storage unit 323, the content transmission control unit 330 starts transmitting the content from the time point indicated by the resume point. To do.

The content reproduction device 400 is a computer device that outputs the content transmitted from the content server 300 to the display device 100 for reproduction, and includes a communication unit 410, an instruction input reception unit 420, a storage unit 430, and a control unit 440. It has.
The communication unit 410 communicates with the content server 300 via the network 5.
The instruction input receiving unit 420 receives a signal transmitted from the controller device 200.

The storage unit 430 includes a content information storage unit 431 and a viewing information storage unit 432, and stores various types of information.
The content information storage unit 431 stores content information transmitted from the content server 300.
The viewing information storage unit 432 stores viewing information transmitted from the content server 300. That is, the viewing information stored in the viewing information storage unit 432 is the same as the data example shown in FIG. 3, but includes only the viewing information corresponding to the user ID of the content reproduction device 400. The ID may not be included.

The control unit 440 includes a reception unit 441, a content list display control unit 442, and a reproduction control unit 443, and controls each unit included in the content reproduction apparatus 400.
The accepting unit 441 accepts an instruction input from the user based on a signal received by the instruction input receiving unit 420. For example, when the reception unit 441 receives a signal indicating that the playback button in the operation device 200 is pressed, the reception unit 441 receives an instruction input for a playback instruction. In addition, for example, when the reception unit 441 receives a signal indicating that the stop button in the operation device 200 is pressed, the reception unit 441 receives an instruction input for a stop instruction. In addition, when the reception unit 441 receives a signal indicating that the determination button on the operation device 200 is pressed, for example, the reception unit 441 receives an instruction input of a determination instruction based on a selection state on the screen at that time.

  The content list display control unit 442 causes the display device 100 to display a content menu screen including a list of a plurality of reproducible content based on content information transmitted from the content reproduction device 400. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content menu screen displayed on the display device 100 by the content list display control unit 442. Reference numeral a1 is a label indicating a category hierarchy. Reference numeral a2 is a list of contents. The list shows the titles of a predetermined number of contents (here, five). When the number of reproducible contents exceeds the predetermined number, the titles are divided into a plurality of pages and displayed. Reference numeral a3 is an operator for moving the list page back and forth. A symbol a4 displays the title of the content selected in the list. Here, the content selected in the list is shaded, that is, the content of the title T1 is selected. Reference numeral a5 is a description of the selected content. Reference numeral a6 is an image that displays a part of the selected content.

  When the enter button is pressed while the title of a series work is selected on the content menu screen, the content list display control unit 442 displays a series menu screen including a list of series content associated with the title. It is displayed on the device 100. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a series menu screen displayed on the display device 100 by the content list display control unit 442. Reference symbol a7 is a list of series content associated with the title selected on the content menu screen. The list shows subtitles of a predetermined number (here, 5) of contents. When the content of the series exceeds the predetermined number, the subtitles are divided into a plurality of pages and displayed. Here, the content selected in the list is shaded, that is, the content of subtitle ST2 is selected. When a resume point is associated with the selected content, the resume point is displayed together with the subtitle.

  When any content is selected and the enter button is pressed on such a series menu screen, a content request including the content ID of the selected content is transmitted via the communication unit 410 by the playback control unit 443 described later. The content transmitted from the content server 300 in response to the transmitted content request is reproduced on the display device 100. When the reproduction of the content is finished, the content list display control unit 442 displays the series menu screen on the display device 100 again. In this case, for example, if the user wants to view the content of the subtitle ST3 after the subtitle ST2, it is necessary to select the subtitle ST3 on the series menu screen and press the enter button. In this case, even when the user wants to continuously watch the series work, it is necessary to operate the operation device 200 every time one content is viewed.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, a continuous playback button is displayed on the menu screen as indicated by reference numeral a8 in FIG. When a signal indicating that the continuous playback button is selected and the enter button is pressed in response to an operation on the operation device 200 is received, the content playback device 400 starts playback from the selected content and plays back the content. When is finished, continuous playback processing is automatically performed to automatically start playback of the content of the subsequent series work. In this way, when the user wants to continuously view the series work, it is not necessary to operate the operation device 200 every time one content is viewed, and a series of contents of the series work can be continuously viewed. Thereby, the user can save time and effort to operate the operation device 200.

  That is, for example, each time the user finishes viewing the content, the user can save time and effort to find and hold the operation device 200 in his / her hand. For this reason, for example, when a user happens to watch content while sitting on a chair that is far from the operation device 200 and viewing of one content is finished, the user stands up from the chair and takes the operation device 200. You can continue to watch the contents of the series without taking the time and effort to operate. Also, for example, if you are watching while watching other contents while doing other things such as housework at home, you can watch a series of contents of the series without leaving your hands on other things. You can continue. This improves the convenience when the user views the content.

  At this time, if the viewing information corresponding to the series work that is the target of continuous playback is associated with the continuous playback resume flag, the continuous playback resume flag is displayed on the series menu screen as indicated by reference numeral a9. A mark (resume mark) may be displayed on the content corresponding to. As described above, the content list display control unit 442 causes the display device 100 to display a mark on the content that was stopped during the previous continuous reproduction among the plurality of contents included in the list. In this example, the subtitle ST2 is marked. This makes it easier for the user to recognize content that has been marked with a mark from the list on the series menu screen, thereby recognizing content that was previously stopped during playback. Thereby, a user's convenience can be improved.

  Here, when the content playback device 400 displays the series menu screen on the display device 100, the content associated with the continuous playback resume flag is selected from the beginning (the focus is on). You may do it. Thus, for example, when viewing a content by continuous playback and then interrupting the viewing once to view another content, and then trying to view the content again by continuous playback, the content that was viewed before the suspension Therefore, it is possible to save the trouble of operating the operating device 200 to select.

  The playback control unit 443 controls playback of content on the display device 100. For example, when the receiving unit 441 receives a playback instruction for the content selected by the user, the playback control unit 443 transmits a content request including the content ID of the selected content to the content server 300 via the communication unit 410. . Further, the reproduction control unit 443 causes the display device 100 to reproduce the content transmitted from the content server 300 in response to the content request transmitted to the content server 300.

  Further, when the reception control unit 443 receives an instruction input for continuous playback for continuously playing back the content selected by the user, the playback control unit 443 displays one content selected from the plurality of contents included in the list. When the reproduction of the content is completed and the reproduction of the content is completed, the display device 100 is caused to reproduce other content among the plurality of contents included in the list. For example, when the determination button is pressed while any content is selected from the list on the series menu screen, the playback control unit 443 sends a content request including the content ID of the selected content to the content server 300. Send to. The reproduction control unit 443 causes the display device 100 to reproduce the content transmitted from the content server 300 in response to the transmitted content request. When the playback of the content ends, the playback control unit 443 sends a content request including the content ID of the content that follows the content that has been played back, among other content associated with the content as a series. Send to server 300. The reproduction control unit 443 causes the display device 100 to reproduce the content transmitted from the content server 300 in response to the transmitted content request. In this way, the playback control unit 443 continuously plays back the selected content series.

  In addition, when the receiving unit 441 receives an instruction input of a stop instruction for stopping the reproduction of the content during the reproduction of the content, the reproduction control unit 443 receives an end instruction for ending the continuous reproduction of the plurality of contents, The display device 100 displays a first end confirmation screen that prompts the user to input an instruction for skipping one of the content items and starting the reproduction of other content, and is input according to the first end confirmation screen. The reproduction of content is controlled in response to an instruction input. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first end confirmation screen displayed on the display device 100 by the reproduction control unit 443. On the first confirmation screen, for example, “Do you want to end the continuous playback? If you want to proceed to the next work, please select“ Proceed to the next work ””, “Exit” button, "Proceed to next work" button is displayed.

  Here, when the “end” button is selected and the enter button is pressed, the accepting unit 441 accepts an instruction input for an end instruction. When the receiving unit 441 receives an instruction input for an end instruction, the playback control unit 443 ends the continuous playback and causes the display device 100 to display a series menu screen, for example. When the “proceed to the next work” button is selected and the enter button is pressed, the accepting unit 441 accepts an instruction input for a skip instruction. When the reception unit 441 receives an instruction input of a skip instruction, the playback control unit 443 stops playback of the content being played back, and among the other content associated with the content as a series, the playback has ended. A content request including the content ID of the subsequent content is transmitted to the content server 300. The reproduction control unit 443 causes the display device 100 to reproduce the content transmitted from the content server 300 in response to the transmitted content request.

  In this way, when a stop instruction is input during content playback, it is possible to select whether to end continuous playback itself or to end the content and skip to the next content. For example, the content of a series work may include an ending credit in which a theme song or a video flows along with a list of performers and staff who are involved in content production at the end of the content. Users who view content by continuous playback, if the same ending credit is included in all of the content in the series, press the stop button to see the next time without looking at such same ending credit each time It can be considered. Therefore, in such a case, a first end confirmation screen for selecting an end instruction and a skip instruction is displayed and playback is controlled. Thereby, a user's convenience can be improved.

  In addition, when a predetermined time (for example, 4 hours) has elapsed since the start of continuous playback of a plurality of contents, the playback control unit 443 and an end instruction to end the continuous playback of the plurality of contents, and the continuous playback of the plurality of contents The display device 100 displays a second end confirmation screen that prompts one of the instructions to continue the instruction to continue the content, and controls the reproduction of the content according to the instruction input input according to the second end confirmation screen can do. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second end confirmation screen displayed on the display device 100 by the reproduction control unit 443. On the second end confirmation screen, for example, “It has been over 4 hours since the start of continuous playback. Would you like to end it and take a break? Button and a “stop playback” button are displayed.

  Here, when the “continue reproduction” button is selected and the determination button is pressed, the reproduction control unit 443 accepts an instruction input of a continuation instruction and continues the continuous reproduction. When the “stop reproduction” button is selected and the enter button is pressed, the accepting unit 441 accepts an instruction input for an end instruction. When the receiving unit 441 receives an instruction input for an end instruction, the playback control unit 443 ends the continuous playback and causes the display device 100 to display a series menu screen, for example. The end confirmation process of continuous playback at such a predetermined time is performed before the start of playback of the subsequent content after the playback of the content being played back at the time when the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of continuous playback. Alternatively, the playback of the content may be temporarily stopped when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the continuous playback.

  In this way, when the content has been played for a predetermined time or longer, it is possible to stop the playback of the content and select whether to continue the continuous playback or end the continuous playback. Accordingly, for example, a user who is devoted to viewing content can be prompted to take a break. In addition, it may be considered that the user is away from the front of the display device 100 in a state where the continuous reproduction is performed and is not being viewed. In such a case, it is possible to support power saving by stopping reproduction, and to reduce the load on the network and the content server 300 by streaming distribution.

Next, an operation example of the content reproduction system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the content reproduction system 1 according to the present embodiment.
The content reproduction device 400 connects to the content server 300 via the communication unit 410 in response to an instruction input based on an operation on the operation device 200 from a user. The content transmission control unit 330 of the content server 300 reads the content information stored in the content information storage unit 321 in association with the user ID of the user of the content reproduction device 400, and sends the read content information to the communication unit 310. To the content reproduction device 400 (step S1).

  When the communication unit 410 of the content reproduction device 400 receives the content information transmitted from the content server 300, the content list display control unit 442 displays a content menu screen including a list of content included in the received content information. 100 is displayed (step S2). When the content of the series work is selected by the user on the content menu screen, the content list display control unit 442 displays a series menu screen including a list of contents associated as the series work of the selected content on the display device 100. Display. When any content is selected on the series menu screen and the continuous playback button is pressed, the accepting unit 441 accepts an instruction input for continuously playing a plurality of contents included in the list (step S3). The playback control unit 443 transmits a content request including the content ID of the selected content to the content server 300 (step S4).

  When the communication unit 310 of the content server 300 receives the content request transmitted from the content reproduction device 400, the content transmission control unit 330 stores the content request in association with the content ID included in the content request received by the communication unit 310. The content stored in the unit 322 is read out. The content transmission control unit 330 distributes the read content to the content reproduction device 400 via the communication unit 310 (step S5). When the communication unit 410 of the content reproduction device 400 receives content transmitted from the content server 300, the reproduction control unit 443 causes the display device 100 to reproduce the received content.

  When a stop button is pressed on operating device 200 during the reproduction of content, accepting unit 441 accepts an instruction input for a stop instruction for stopping the reproduction of the content (step S6: YES). The reproduction control unit 443 causes the display device 100 to display a first completion confirmation screen including a “Finish” button and a “Proceed to next work” button. Here, when the “Proceed to next work” button is pressed (step S7: YES), the process returns to step S4, and the reproduction control unit 443 transmits a content request including the content ID of the next work to the content server 300. In step S7, when the “end” button is pressed (step S7: NO), the playback control unit 443 transmits a streaming distribution stop request to the content server 300 to end the continuous playback (step S11). ).

  If the stop button is not pressed on the operation device 200 during the content reproduction (step S6: NO), the content reproduction device 400 continues to reproduce the content transmitted from the content server 300. When streaming from the content server 300 ends (step S8), the playback control unit 443 of the content playback device 400 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of playback (step S9). If the playback control unit 443 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S9: NO), the playback control unit 443 returns to step S4 and transmits a content request including the content ID of the next work to the content server 300.

When the reproduction control unit 443 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S9: YES), the second end confirmation screen including the “continue reproduction” button and the “stop reproduction” button is displayed on the display device 100. (Step S10). Here, when the “continue reproduction” button is pressed (step S10: YES), the process returns to step S4, and the reproduction control unit 443 transmits a content request including the content ID of the next work to the content server 300. In step S10, when the “stop reproduction” button is pressed (step S10: NO), the reproduction control unit 443 proceeds to step S11 and ends the continuous reproduction.
In addition, the reproduction control unit 443 ends the continuous reproduction when all the reproductions of the series works associated with the content being continuously reproduced are completed. However, in this case, it is possible to return to the beginning of the series and continue to play continuously.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the user views the content of the series work, it is troublesome to select the next content every time viewing of each content included in the series is finished. Can be omitted, and the content can be continuously reproduced. Thereby, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user to view the content in the content distribution service provided by the content reproduction system 1.

  Note that the content information stored in the content information storage unit 321 may include information related to content in addition to the items described above. For example, a distribution start date for starting distribution of corresponding content, a distribution end date for ending content distribution, and the like can be associated with each other. In this case, for example, in the list of contents displayed on the display apparatus 100 by the content reproduction apparatus 400, only the contents within the distribution period (the current date is between the distribution start date and the distribution end date) are displayed, and the distribution period is outside The content whose current date is not between the distribution start date and the distribution end date may not be displayed. Alternatively, for example, even content outside the distribution period may be displayed in the content list, and when content outside the distribution period is included in the target of continuous reproduction, the content may be skipped and reproduced. When skipping the content, for example, display a dialog such as "Distribution of this content has not started" or "Distribution of this content has ended", and then skip to the next content. Also good.

  In addition, in the list displayed on the content menu screen, only content within the distribution period may be displayed, or content outside the distribution period may be displayed. In addition, in the case where a fee is charged according to the content, the charge amount may be displayed on the list. Also, for example, if a paid series work includes paid content (purchased) and unpaid content (unpurchased), for example, after purchasing the purchased content has not been purchased If the content is followed, it may be changed to a purchase screen for purchasing the content at that time.

In the above-described embodiment, the client device for allowing the user to view the content has been illustrated as an example configured by three computer devices including the display device 100, the operation device 200, and the content reproduction device 400. May be, for example, one computer device in which these functions are integrated.
On the menu screen displaying the content list, for example, for a content that has not been viewed, a mark indicating that it has not been viewed (unviewed mark) may be displayed.

  In the above example, a continuous playback button is displayed on the series menu screen that displays a list of the contents of the series work. When this continuous playback button is pressed, playback starts from the content selected on the screen. However, for example, when a continuous playback button is pressed, a transition may be made to a selection screen that is a separate screen for selecting content for starting continuous playback. In such a selection screen, for example, a message such as “Please select a title to start continuous viewing from the list” is displayed together with a list of subtitles of the content of the series work, and continuous playback from the selected content To start. In this way, a UI (User Interface) between a series menu screen for selecting content for performing general (non-continuous playback, single work) playback and a selection screen for selecting content for continuous playback. ) Can be separated, and user confusion in operation can be reduced.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In 1st Embodiment, the example in case the content reproduction system 1 performs the continuous reproduction in a series work was shown. However, the target of continuous playback may be not only a predetermined series work but also any content selected by the user. For example, the user may select a plurality of contents such as movies and sports in advance and continuously play back the selected contents. In the present embodiment, a content reproduction system 2 that continuously reproduces a plurality of contents selected by the user in this way will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the content reproduction system 2 according to the present embodiment. The content reproduction system 2 includes a display device 1100, an operation device 1200, a content server 1300, and a content reproduction device 1400, and the content server 1300 and the content reproduction device 1400 are connected via a network 5. . The network 5 is the same as the network 5 in the first embodiment.

The display device 1100 is the same as the display device 100 in the first embodiment.
The operating device 1200 is the same as the operating device 200 in the first embodiment.
The content server 1300 includes a communication unit 1310, a storage unit 1320, and a content transmission control unit 1330. The storage unit 1320 includes a content information storage unit 1321, a content storage unit 1322, and a viewing information storage unit 1323. It has. The communication unit 1310, the storage unit 1320, the content information storage unit 1321, the content storage unit 1322, the viewing information storage unit 1323, and the content transmission control unit 1330, the communication unit 310 in the first embodiment, and the storage The same as the unit 320, the content information storage unit 321, the content storage unit 322, the viewing information storage unit 323, and the content transmission control unit 330.

  The content reproduction apparatus 1400 includes a communication unit 1410, an instruction input reception unit 1420, a storage unit 1430, and a control unit 1440. The storage unit 1430 includes a content information storage unit 1431 and a continuous reproduction information storage unit 1433. The control unit 1440 includes a reception unit 1441, a content list display control unit 1442, and a reproduction control unit 1443. A communication unit 1410, an instruction input reception unit 1420, a storage unit 1430, a content information storage unit 1431, a continuous reproduction information storage unit 1433, a control unit 1440, a reception unit 1441, a content list display control unit 1442, The reproduction control unit 1443 includes the communication unit 410, the instruction input reception unit 420, the storage unit 430, the content information storage unit 431, the viewing information storage unit 432, the control unit 440, and the reception in the first embodiment. Unit 441, content list display control unit 442, and playback control unit 443, but the continuous playback information stored in the continuous playback information storage unit 1433 is stored in the viewing information storage unit 432 in the first embodiment. The continuous reproduction flag related to continuous reproduction is added to the viewing information.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a data example of continuous reproduction information stored in the continuous reproduction information storage unit 1433 according to the present embodiment. The continuous playback information includes a resume point, a bookmark flag, and a continuous playback flag for each content ID. The bookmark flag is information indicating whether or not the user has selected the corresponding content as a bookmark. For example, when the bookmark flag is “0”, it indicates that the content is not selected as a bookmark target, and when the bookmark flag is “1”, the content is selected as a bookmark. In this example, “content C3”, “content C5”, “content C6”, and “content C8” are selected as playback targets.

  The continuous playback flag is information indicating whether or not the user has selected the corresponding content as the target of continuous playback. For example, when the continuous playback flag is “0”, it indicates that the content is not selected as a target for continuous playback, and when the numerical value of “1” or more is associated with the continuous playback flag, the content is Indicates that it has been selected for continuous playback. A numerical value of 1 or more in the continuous reproduction flag indicates the order in which the content is selected. In this example, the order of “content C5” is “1”, the order of “content C6” is “2”, the order of “content C3” is “3”, and the order of “content C8” is “4” is shown.

  The playback control unit 1443 according to the present embodiment causes the display device 1100 to play back content transmitted from the content server 1300 based on such continuous playback information. That is, the playback control unit 1443 transmits a content request including the content ID corresponding to the continuous playback flag to the content server 1300 in the order indicated by the continuous playback flag included in the continuous playback information. Accordingly, the content transmitted from the content server 1300 is continuously reproduced on the display device 1100.

  In the present embodiment, the content list display control unit 1442 displays an operator for selecting content to be continuously reproduced on the menu screen displayed on the display device 1100. The content list display control unit 1442 displays, for each content included in the bookmark list, an operation element (for example, a check box) for selecting the content as a target of continuous reproduction on the display device 1100, and the operation element is selected. Then, information indicating the order in which the content is played back is displayed according to the order in which the controls are selected, and when one of the selected controls is deselected, The content corresponding to the released operation element is excluded from the target of continuous reproduction, and information indicating the order in which the order before and after the excluded content is connected is displayed.

  For example, FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a bookmark menu screen displayed on the display device 1100 by the content list display control unit 1442 in the present embodiment. The content list display control unit 1442 is a list of only contents whose bookmark flag is “1” in the continuous playback information stored in the continuous playback information storage unit 1433 in response to an instruction input from the user to the reception unit 1441. A bookmark menu screen including a bookmark list is displayed on the display device 1100. On the bookmark menu screen, as indicated by reference numeral c1, an operator (here, a check box) for selecting the content as a target for continuous playback is displayed for each title of the content.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example when an operator is selected on the bookmark menu screen. Here, an example in which check boxes are checked in the order of “title T5” (content C5), “title T6” (content C6), “title T3” (content C3), and “title T8” (content C8). Is shown.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where an operator is canceled after being selected on the bookmark menu screen. Here, an example in which the selection of “title T6” (content C6) is canceled from the state shown in FIG. In this way, when “title T6” (content C6) is selected after the second order is selected and the selection is canceled, the order before and after that is concatenated, and “title T5” (content C5) and “title T3” are connected. ”(Content C3) and“ title T8 ”(content C8) in this order. In this way, even when a check box is selected by a button operation from the operation device 1200, the order can be efficiently specified, and convenience for the user can be improved.

Next, an operation example of the content reproduction system 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the content reproduction system 2 according to the present embodiment.
Similar to step S1 of the first embodiment, the content reproduction apparatus 1400 receives content information transmitted from the content server 1300, and displays a bookmark menu screen when an instruction input for displaying a bookmark menu screen is input. It is displayed on the device 1100. Here, the content list display control unit 1442 displays an operator for selecting a target of continuous reproduction for each content included in the bookmark menu screen (step S21).

  The content list display control unit 1442 receives an instruction input for selecting an operator (step S22). When the selected operator has already been selected (the check box is checked) (step S23: YES), the receiving unit 1441 receives an instruction input of a release instruction to cancel the selection, and is selected. The content corresponding to the operation element is excluded from the target of continuous reproduction, and the order before and after the excluded content is linked (step S24). In step S23, when the selected operator is not selected (the check box is not checked) (step S23: NO), the content list display control unit 1442 displays the content corresponding to the selected operator. It adds to the object of continuous reproduction (step S25). When the selection is completed, for example, when a playback button is pressed (step S26), the playback control unit 1443 starts continuous playback of content in the selected order.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, not only a predetermined series work but also a plurality of contents arbitrarily selected by the user can be continuously reproduced. Thereby, a user's convenience can be improved. Here, the content arbitrarily selected by the user may be the content bookmarked as described above, or may be a plurality of content included in the search result by providing a search function for content by performer name, title name, etc., for example. May be.

  Note that a program for realizing the function of the processing unit in the present invention is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into a computer system and executed to continuously reproduce the content. May be performed. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. Further, the “computer system” may include a plurality of computer devices connected via a network including a communication line such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated line. The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible medium, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM and a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. Furthermore, the “computer-readable recording medium” holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when the program is transmitted via a network. Including things. The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

  In addition, some or all of the functions described above may be realized as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each function described above may be individually made into a processor, or a part or all of them may be integrated into a processor. Further, the method of circuit integration is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. In addition, when an integrated circuit technology that replaces LSI appears due to the advancement of semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on the technology may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Content reproduction system 2 Content reproduction system 5 Network 100 Display apparatus 200 Operation apparatus 201 Input part 202 Transmission part 300 Content server 310 Communication part 320 Storage part 321 Content information storage part 322 Content storage part 323 Viewing information storage part 330 Content transmission control part 400 content playback device 410 communication unit 420 instruction input reception unit 430 storage unit 431 content information storage unit 432 viewing information storage unit 440 control unit 441 reception unit 442 content list display control unit 443 playback control unit 1100 display device 1200 operation device 1201 input unit 1202 Transmission unit 1300 Content server 1310 Communication unit 1320 Storage unit 1321 Content information storage unit 1322 Content storage unit 1323 Viewing information storage Storage unit 1330 Content transmission control unit 1400 Content playback device 1410 Communication unit 1420 Instruction input reception unit 1430 Storage unit 1431 Content information storage unit 1433 Continuous playback information storage unit 1440 Control unit 1441 Reception unit 1442 Content list display control unit 1443 Playback control unit

Claims (9)

A content playback device connected to a display device for playing back content transmitted via a network,
A content list display control unit for displaying a list of a plurality of reproducible contents on the display device;
A receiving unit for receiving an instruction input for continuously playing a plurality of contents included in the list;
When the receiving unit receives the instruction input, the display device reproduces one content selected from the plurality of contents included in the list, and when the reproduction of the content ends, the plurality of contents included in the list Among the contents, a reproduction control unit that causes the display device to reproduce other contents;
A content playback apparatus comprising: The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the list includes a series of contents associated in advance. The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the list includes a plurality of contents selected by a user. The reception unit receives an instruction input of a stop instruction for stopping the reproduction of the content during the reproduction of the content,
When the receiving unit receives an instruction input for the stop instruction, the playback control unit ends the continuous playback of the plurality of contents, and ends playback of the currently played content and starts playback of other content. A first end confirmation screen that prompts one of the instructions to be skipped to be displayed is displayed on the display device, and the reproduction of the content is controlled according to the instruction input that is input according to the first end confirmation screen The content reproduction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the content reproduction apparatus is characterized in that: The playback control unit, when a predetermined time has elapsed after starting the continuous playback of the plurality of contents, an end instruction to end the continuous playback of the plurality of contents, and a continuation instruction to continue the continuous playback of the plurality of contents To display a second end confirmation screen prompting one of the instructions to be input on the display device, and to control the reproduction of the content according to the instruction input input according to the second end confirmation screen. The content reproduction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the content reproduction apparatus is characterized in that: The content list display control unit adds a mark to a content that is stopped during the previous continuous reproduction among the plurality of contents included in the list, and causes the display device to display the mark. The content reproduction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. For each content included in the list, the content list display control unit displays an operation element for selecting the content as a target of continuous reproduction on the display device, and when the operation element is selected, When the information indicating the order in which the contents are reproduced is displayed according to the order in which the children are selected, and the selection of any one of the plurality of selected operators is canceled, the released operators The content corresponding to is excluded from the target of continuous playback, information indicating the order of concatenating the order before and after the excluded content is displayed,
The content reproduction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the reproduction control unit continuously reproduces the content according to the order. A content playback device connected to a display device that plays back content transmitted via a network,
Displaying a list of a plurality of reproducible contents on the display device;
Receiving an instruction input for continuously reproducing a plurality of contents included in the list;
When receiving the instruction input, the display device reproduces one content selected from the plurality of contents included in the list, and when the reproduction of the content is finished, among the plurality of contents included in the list, Causing the display device to reproduce other content;
Content playback method to execute. A computer of a content reproduction device connected to a display device that reproduces content transmitted via a network,
Displaying a list of a plurality of reproducible contents on the display device;
Receiving an instruction input for continuously reproducing a plurality of contents included in the list;
When receiving the instruction input, the display device reproduces one content selected from the plurality of contents included in the list, and when the reproduction of the content is finished, among the plurality of contents included in the list, Causing the display device to reproduce other content;
Content playback program that executes

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