JP2005236870A - Time shift reproduction method, apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a time shift reproduction method, apparatus and program, whereby a fast-forward reproduction speed capable of synchronizing viewers at a synchronization point of a broadcast program, placing a limit on a permitted time shift time from the synchronization point of the broadcast program, and synchronizing the time shifted time with the synchronization point can be maintained to the degree of not deteriorating the reproduction quality. <P>SOLUTION: An input section 2 of the time shift reproducing apparatus 8 receives broadcast program information and stores the information to a buffer section 1, a CPU 3 outputs an instruction of reading broadcast program information stored in the buffer section 1 and reproducing the broadcast program at a reproduction speed faster than a broadcast speed of the broadcast program to a buffer control section 5 and a reproduction speed control section 6 so that the read broadcast program information catches up with the broadcast program, until the synchronization point set to the broadcast program after temporary stop is released, and carries out broadcast viewing at the broadcast speed of the broadcast program, when the reproduction catches up with the broadcast program. Further, the CPU 3 does not permit temporary stoppage, when the reproduction cannot catch up with the broadcast speed, until the synchronization point unless a too faster reproduction speed that may deteriorate the reproduction quality. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a time-shifted reproduction method, apparatus, and program for broadcasting accumulated during pause of broadcast viewing. More specifically, the present invention relates to a broadcast program after pausing during broadcast viewing and releasing the pause. The time-shifted playback of the broadcast program stored in the buffer is time-shifted faster than the normal broadcast speed and returned to the normal broadcast speed when the broadcast catch-up is reached so that it can catch up with the broadcast program by the set synchronization point. The present invention relates to a method, an apparatus, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been provided an apparatus having a time shift reproduction function capable of reproducing a broadcast program with an arbitrary delay while recording a broadcast program. With this time-shift playback function, even a real-time broadcast program can be paused by the viewer during viewing, and after the pause is released, playback from the paused position is possible. However, the conventional time-shift playback method has a problem in that the difference between the broadcast end time and the playback end time increases each time pause is performed.

  In order to solve this problem, a technique of using both normal reproduction and fast-forward reproduction at the time shift reproduction has been disclosed. Thereby, the broadcast end time and the reproduction end time can be substantially matched (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Also disclosed is a technique for performing cut-off reproduction such as advertisement (CM), fast-forward reproduction, or video frame thinning reproduction during time-shift reproduction. Thereby, the difference between the broadcast end time and the reproduction end time can be reduced (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  In addition, a technique is disclosed in which fast-forward playback speed is determined and playback is performed, or fast-forward playback is performed at a fixed speed, and when the actual broadcast is caught up by the playback, the normal broadcast speed is restored. Thereby, the broadcast end time and the reproduction end time can be substantially matched (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

  Further, a technique is disclosed in which a plurality of special playback speeds are normally switched and played back continuously, and special playback is not performed when excessive fast-forward playback is required. Thereby, reproduction | regeneration can be complete | finished at the preset time (for example, refer patent document 4).

JP-A-8-138318 (paragraph [0006]) JP 2000-31344 A (paragraphs [0010] [0011]) JP 2001-52433 A (paragraphs [0048] to [0051]) JP 2003-169274 A (paragraphs [0012] [0013])

  The above-described conventional technology controls the playback speed for each viewer so that playback ends at the set playback end time during time-shift playback. For this reason, there has been a problem that the playback position cannot be synchronized between viewers. In addition, since the allowable pause time (time shift time) cannot be limited, there is a problem that in fast-forward playback that does not cause deterioration in playback quality, viewing does not always end at the set playback end time.

  For example, in interactive programs, viewing between viewers is synchronized with the synchronization time (synchronization point) set in the program, such as quiz response time, voting deadline time, shopping acceptance end time, etc. Need to be. However, in the above prior art, since the time shift time is different for each viewer, there is a problem that the time for which the synchronization point is reproduced also varies for each viewer.

  Also, for example, when program broadcast playback is paused for the convenience of the viewer, or when broadcast program playback is paused to insert other content such as CM, the pause is released. Perform fast-forward playback to the extent that playback quality does not deteriorate. In this case, it is necessary to limit the pause time in order to synchronize with the broadcast program at the synchronization point and end the viewing at the set playback end time. However, the above-described conventional technique has a problem in that, since the allowable time shift time cannot be limited, in fast-forward playback that does not cause deterioration in playback quality, viewing does not always end at the set playback end time.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a time-shift playback method, apparatus, and program that enable synchronization between viewers at a synchronization point of a broadcast program. There is. It is another object of the present invention to provide a time-shift playback method, apparatus, and program capable of limiting an allowable time shift time from a synchronization point of a broadcast program and maintaining a fast-forward playback speed for synchronization so that the playback quality does not deteriorate. .

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in accordance with a request for pause of broadcast viewing, information on a broadcast program that proceeds regardless of the pause is accumulated, and the accumulated information is used. In the time-shift playback method for playing back a broadcast program, broadcast viewing is paused according to the request, the broadcast program information is accumulated, and after the suspension is canceled, the broadcast program is not recorded until the synchronization point set for the broadcast program. In order to catch up, a time shift playback method characterized in that playback is performed at a playback speed faster than the broadcast speed of the broadcast program, and when the playback catches up with the broadcast program, the broadcast viewing is performed at the broadcast speed of the broadcast program. It is done.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the broadcast viewing pause request is a pause request for inserting content such as an advertisement into a broadcast program, and before the pause according to the request, the synchronization The playback speed is calculated so that the playback catches up with the broadcast program by the point, and if the playback speed is higher than a preset speed that does not impair the quality of playback, the pause request is not permitted. The time-shift playback method according to claim 1 is obtained.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the broadcast viewing pause request is a pause request for inserting content such as an advertisement into a broadcast program, and the playback speed does not impair playback quality. A point at which the reproduction speed catches up with the broadcast program before the pause according to the request, and when the point is later than the synchronization point, The time-shift playback method according to claim 1, wherein the stop request is not permitted.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the broadcast viewing pause request is a request for the convenience of the viewer, paused according to the request, and playback catches up with the broadcast program by the synchronization point. The playback speed is calculated, and if the playback speed is equal to or higher than a preset speed that does not impair the quality of playback, the pause is forcibly released. A time shift reproduction method is obtained.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the broadcast viewing pause request is a request due to the convenience of the viewer, paused according to the request, and the playback speed is set in advance so as not to impair the playback quality. A point at which playback based on the playback speed catches up with the broadcast program when the speed is set, and when the point is after the synchronization point, the suspension is forcibly released. The time-shift playback method according to claim 1 is obtained.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the playback speed is calculated based on a synchronization point and a playback delay time from the broadcast program at the time when the pause is released. And the time shift reproduction method according to any one of 4 is obtained.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the point at which the reproduction catches up with the broadcast program is calculated from the reproduction speed and a reproduction delay time from the broadcast program at the time of releasing the pause. The time-shift playback method according to any one of 1, 3, and 5 is obtained.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in response to a request for pause in viewing the broadcast, information on the broadcast program that proceeds regardless of the pause is received and stored, and the broadcast program is reproduced using the stored information. In the time-shift playback device, in accordance with the pause request, a buffer unit that stores received broadcast program information, and in accordance with the pause request, broadcast viewing is paused and broadcast program information is accumulated in the buffer unit, After the suspension is canceled, the broadcast program information stored in the buffer unit is read out at a playback speed faster than the broadcast speed of the broadcast program so as to catch up with the broadcast program by the synchronization point set for the broadcast program. And a control section for viewing the broadcast at the broadcast speed of the broadcast program when the playback catches up with the broadcast program. Shift playback device is obtained.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the broadcast viewing pause request is a pause request for inserting content such as an advertisement into a broadcast program, and the control unit broadcasts according to the pause request. Before stopping the viewing, the playback speed is calculated so that the playback catches up with the broadcast program by the synchronization point, and when the playback speed is higher than a preset speed that does not impair the quality of the playback, 9. The time-shift playback apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a request for pause is not permitted.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the broadcast viewing pause request is a pause request for inserting content such as an advertisement into a broadcast program, and the playback speed does not impair playback quality. The control unit calculates a point at which playback based on the playback speed catches up with the broadcast program before stopping the broadcast viewing according to the request for pause, and the point is calculated from the synchronization point. The time-shift playback apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the temporary stop request is not permitted if it is later.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the broadcast viewing pause request is a request due to the convenience of the viewer, and the control unit pauses the broadcast viewing according to the pause request, and the buffer control unit The broadcast program information is stored in the program, the playback speed is calculated so that the playback catches up with the broadcast program by the synchronization point, and if the playback speed is higher than a preset speed that does not impair the quality of the playback, The time-shift playback apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the temporary stop is forcibly canceled.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the broadcast viewing pause request is a request for the convenience of a viewer, and the control unit pauses broadcast viewing according to the pause request, and the buffer control unit Broadcast program information, and when the playback speed is set to a preset speed that does not impair the quality of playback, the point at which playback based on the playback speed catches up with the broadcast program is calculated. 9. The time-shift playback apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the suspension is forcibly canceled when the time is after the synchronization point.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the reproduction speed is calculated based on a synchronization point and a reproduction delay time from a broadcast program at the time of releasing the pause. And the time-shift reproducing device according to any one of 11.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the point at which the reproduction catches up with the broadcast program is calculated from the reproduction speed and a reproduction delay time from the broadcast program at the time of releasing the pause. The time shift reproduction device according to any one of 8, 10, and 12 is obtained.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, playback at a playback speed faster than the broadcast speed of the broadcast program is based on fast-forwarding of the broadcast program based on the stored broadcast program information or thinning out of the stored broadcast program information. A time-shift playback apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 14 is obtained.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, it is determined that the reproduction has caught up with a broadcast program based on an accumulation amount of broadcast program information or the reproduction speed and a pause time. The time shift reproducing device according to any one of 8 to 15 is obtained.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the synchronization point is set independently of a broadcast program or is set by information included in the broadcast program. The time-shift playback device described in any one of the items is obtained.

  According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with a request for pause of broadcast viewing, information on a broadcast program that proceeds regardless of the pause is accumulated, and a time shift is performed to reproduce the broadcast program using the accumulated information. A time-shift playback program to be executed by a computer constituting a playback device, wherein the program is set to a broadcast program after the broadcast viewing is suspended and broadcast program information is accumulated according to the request, and the suspension is canceled. A process of playing back at a playback speed faster than the broadcast speed of the broadcast program so that it can catch up with the broadcast program by the synchronization point, and a process of watching the broadcast at the broadcast speed of the broadcast program when the playback catches up with the broadcast program A time shift reproduction program characterized in that is executed.

  Since the time-shift playback method, apparatus, and program according to the present invention are configured and operate as described above, in the conventional fast-forward playback that does not cause synchronization between viewers and that does not cause deterioration in playback quality. The problem that viewing cannot be ended at the set playback end time can be solved. In addition, synchronization between viewers at a broadcast program synchronization point can be realized. Further, it is possible to limit the allowable time shift time from the synchronization point of the broadcast program and maintain fast-forward reproduction for synchronization to such an extent that reproduction quality does not deteriorate.

The configuration and operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of an embodiment of a time-shift playback apparatus according to the present invention. The time shift playback device 8 includes a buffer unit 1, an input unit 2, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 3, a time shift instruction unit 4, a buffer control unit 5, a playback speed control unit 6, and an output unit 7. The buffer unit 1 is connected to the input unit 2, the buffer control unit 5 and the output unit 7, the CPU 3 is connected to the time shift instruction unit 4, the buffer control unit 5 and the playback speed control unit 6, and the buffer control unit 5 is Connected to the buffer unit 1 and the CPU 3, the playback speed control unit 6 is connected to the CPU 3 and the output unit 7. The input unit 2 inputs broadcast program information A from the outside, the output unit 7 outputs broadcast program information C to the monitor, and the time shift instruction unit 4 pauses, cancels, and pauses the broadcast viewing. Each information B of the synchronization point is input.

  The buffer unit 1 receives the broadcast program information A received by the input unit 2 and stores the broadcast program information. Then, the buffer unit 1 transfers it to the output unit 7 at the same speed as the broadcast program immediately after the accumulation of the broadcast program information according to an instruction from the buffer control unit 5 before the temporary stop. On the other hand, during the pause, only the broadcast program information is accumulated, and after the pause is canceled, the broadcast program information accumulated during the pause is sent to the output unit 7 at a speed instructed by the buffer control unit 5. Forward.

  The CPU 3 receives each information such as insertion of contents such as CM input by the time shift instruction unit 4 and pause / release of broadcast viewing for the convenience of the viewer, pause time, and synchronization point of the broadcast program. Then, the CPU 3 uses the synchronization point, the preset playback speed, the pause time, the elapsed time paused, the accumulated amount of broadcast program information in the buffer unit 1 notified from the buffer control unit 5, that is, the time shift playback time. Based on at least one piece of information such as the calculated delay time (time shift time) for the broadcast program, the time is a time shift reproduction that is faster than the broadcast speed of the broadcast program and does not impair the reproduction quality. When performing shift playback, whether or not playback catches up with the broadcast program by the synchronization point (the playback position by time-shift playback catches up with the broadcast position of the broadcast program). Judgment.

  When the CPU 3 determines that the reproduction cannot catch up with the broadcast program by the synchronization point, the CPU 3 cancels the pause or cancels the pause instruction. On the other hand, when it is determined that the reproduction catches up with the broadcast program by the synchronization point, the buffer control unit 5 is instructed to stop the transfer from the buffer unit 1 to the output unit 7, and the reproduction speed control unit 6 is instructed to stop the reproduction.

  Further, the CPU 3 transfers the broadcast program information accumulated during the pause in the buffer control unit 5 at the playback speed calculated by the CPU 3 when the broadcast viewing pause is released. And the playback speed control unit 6 is instructed to play back at the playback speed.

  Further, the CPU 3 receives from the buffer control unit 5 information indicating that the accumulated amount of broadcast program information in the buffer unit 1 has become zero, that is, information indicating that reproduction has caught up with the broadcast program. Then, the CPU 3 instructs the buffer control unit 5 to transfer at the same speed as the broadcast speed of the broadcast program, and instructs the playback speed control unit 6 to play at the same speed.

  The buffer control unit 5 instructs the buffer unit 1 to transfer the broadcast program information to the output unit 7 at the reproduction speed instructed by the CPU 3. The buffer control unit 5 notifies the CPU 3 of the amount of broadcast program information stored in the buffer unit 1, that is, the time shift time.

  The playback speed control unit 6 instructs the output unit 7 to output the broadcast program information transferred from the buffer unit 1 to the monitor at the playback speed instructed by the CPU 3.

  2 and 3 are diagrams for explaining the operation in one embodiment of the time shift reproduction method according to the present invention. In the following, referring to FIG. 2, in order to insert a content such as a CM into a broadcast program, the content is paused for a preset time for the content, and after the suspension is released, the broadcast is broadcast at the synchronization point set for the broadcast program. An operation that calculates a playback speed faster than the speed of the broadcast program so as to catch up with the program, performs time-shift playback at the playback speed, and cancels the pause input when the playback speed impairs playback quality Will be described. In the figure, steps 201 to 213 are processes executed by the time shift reproduction device 8 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The input unit 2 stores the broadcast program information A received from the outside in the buffer unit 1 (step S201). The buffer control unit 5 immediately transfers the broadcast program information stored in the buffer unit 1 to the output unit 7 at the same speed as the broadcast program, and the output unit 7 sends the speed at the same speed as the broadcast program from the reproduction speed control unit 6. Information is input, and broadcast program information C is output to the monitor (step S202). Thereby, the time shift reproduction device 8 can reproduce the broadcast program information on the monitor at the same speed as the broadcast program.

  The time shift instructing unit 4 inputs information B of the broadcast viewing pause, pause time (the length of the content to be inserted), and the synchronization point of the broadcast program from the outside, and the CPU 3 receives these information ( Step S203). Then, the CPU 3 determines the synchronization point of the broadcast program, the suspension time, and the amount of broadcast program information stored in the buffer unit 1 notified from the buffer control unit 5, that is, the delay time (time shift time) from the broadcast program. Based on this, the fast-forward playback speed of time shift playback after the pause is released is calculated (step S204).

  The CPU 3 determines whether or not the calculated reproduction speed is high enough to impair the reproduction quality (step S205). If it is determined that the reproduction quality is high enough to be lost, the pause input is canceled and the process returns to step 203. On the other hand, when it is determined that the reproduction quality is not so great as to impair the reproduction quality, the buffer control unit 5 and the reproduction speed control unit 6 are instructed to stop reproduction (pause) (step S206).

  The CPU 3 determines whether the pause time has elapsed (step S207), and after that time, causes the buffer control unit 5 and the playback speed control unit 6 to play the time from the pause point so that playback is performed at the playback speed calculated in step 204. The shift reproduction is instructed (step S208). Then, the CPU 3 waits for notification from the buffer control unit 5 that information indicating that the amount of broadcast program information stored in the buffer unit 1 has become zero, and determines whether playback has caught up with the broadcast program. Judgment is made (step S209). When receiving the notification and determining that the playback has caught up with the broadcast program, it is determined whether or not the time-shift playback has been performed at the playback speed calculated in step 204 (step S210). If it is determined that the time-shift playback has been performed at the playback speed, the buffer control unit 5 and the playback speed control unit 6 are instructed to play back at the same speed as the broadcast speed (step S211). Then, when receiving the viewing end from the time shift instruction unit 4 (step S212), the CPU 3 instructs the buffer control unit 5 and the reproduction speed control unit 6 to stop reproduction and output to the monitor (step S213). If it is determined in step 209 that the reproduction does not catch up with the broadcast program, or if it is determined in step 210 that the time-shifted reproduction is not performed at the calculated reproduction speed, the process proceeds to step 203 via step 212. Return.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the time axis and the playback position or the buffer amount of broadcast program information stored in the buffer unit 1 for the operation shown in FIG. In the figure, T ₁ is a broadcast program pause time for starting content insertion, T ₂ is a broadcast program pause release time when content insertion is completed, and T ₃ is a broadcast program for starting other content insertion. pause time of, T ₄ one stop release time of the broadcast program by the end of the other content insertion, T _S is a synchronization point of the broadcast program, R _B is the speed of the broadcast program, R ₁ is inserted the content time shift reproduction speed after, R ₂ is the time shift reproduction speed after the insertion of the other content, is R _M is the maximum time shift playback speed that does not cause degradation of the playback quality.

Referring to FIG. 3, at the broadcast viewing pause time T ₁ , the time shift reproduction speed R ₁ after the pause release time T ₂ is the synchronization point T _S , the pause time (T ₂ -T ₁ ), and , it is calculated from the delay time from the buffer amount i.e. a broadcast program in the temporary stop time T _1. Time-shift playback speed R ₁ is smaller than the maximum time-shift playback speed R _M which does not cause deterioration of the reproduction quality, pause is allowed.

Buffer fullness of the buffer unit 1 is increased from the pause start time T ₁ until pause release time T _2, decreased after temporary stop release time T _2, it becomes zero at the synchronization point T _S. On the other hand, in the pause time T ₃ of the broadcast viewing, since the time-shift playback speed R ₂ in unpause time T ₄ in the case of inserting the other content is greater than the maximum time-shift playback speed R _M, one o'clock Stopping and inserting other content is not allowed.

  4 and 5 are diagrams for explaining the operation in another embodiment of the time shift reproduction method according to the present invention. Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 4, in order to insert a content such as a CM into a broadcast program, the content is paused for a preset time for the content, and after the suspension is released, the broadcast is broadcast at the synchronization point set for the broadcast program. Operation to perform time-shifted playback at a preset playback speed that is faster than the broadcast program so as to catch up with the program, and to cancel the pause input when the broadcast program cannot be reached by the synchronization point Will be described. In the figure, steps 401 to 413 are processes executed by the time shift reproduction device 8 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Steps 401 to 403 and 406 to 413 are the same processes as steps 201 to 203 and 206 to 213 shown in FIG. 2, and steps 404 and 405 are different processes from the steps shown in FIG.

  The input unit 2 stores the broadcast program information A received from the outside in the buffer unit 1 (step S401). The buffer control unit 5 immediately transfers the broadcast program information stored in the buffer unit 1 to the output unit 7 at the same speed as the broadcast program, and the output unit 7 sends the speed at the same speed as the broadcast program from the reproduction speed control unit 6. Information is input, and broadcast program information C is output to the monitor (step S402). Thereby, the time shift reproduction device 8 can reproduce the broadcast program information on the monitor at the same speed as the broadcast program.

  The time shift instructing unit 4 inputs information B of the broadcast viewing pause, pause time (the length of the content to be inserted), and the synchronization point of the broadcast program from the outside, and the CPU 3 receives these information ( Step S403). Then, the CPU 3 has a predetermined time-shift playback speed set in advance, which is faster than the speed of the broadcast program, a pause time, and an accumulation amount of broadcast program information in the buffer unit 1 notified from the buffer control unit 5, that is, broadcast Based on the delay time from the program, the time for the time-shifted playback after the cancellation of the pause to catch up with the broadcast program is calculated (step S404).

  The CPU 3 compares the calculated time with the synchronization point, and determines whether or not time-shifted reproduction catches up with the broadcast program by the synchronization point (step S405). If it is determined that the synchronization point cannot be reached, the pause input is canceled and the process returns to step 403. On the other hand, if it is determined that it will catch up to the synchronization point, the buffer control unit 5 and the playback speed control unit 6 are instructed to stop playback (pause) (step S406).

  The CPU 3 determines whether the pause time has elapsed (step S407), and after that time, the buffer control unit 5 and the playback speed control unit 6 perform time-shift playback from the pause point so as to play back at a predetermined playback speed. An instruction is given (step S408). Then, the CPU 3 waits for notification from the buffer control unit 5 that information indicating that the amount of broadcast program information stored in the buffer unit 1 has become zero, and determines whether or not playback has caught up with the broadcast program. Judgment is made (step S409). When receiving the notification and determining that the playback has caught up with the broadcast program, it is determined whether or not the time-shifted playback has been performed at a predetermined playback speed (step S410). If it is determined that the time-shift playback has been performed at the playback speed, the buffer controller 5 and the playback speed controller 6 are instructed to play back at the same speed as the broadcast speed (step S411). Then, when receiving the viewing end from the time shift instruction unit 4 (step S412), the CPU 3 instructs the buffer control unit 5 and the reproduction speed control unit 6 to stop reproduction and output to the monitor (step S413). If it is determined in step 409 that the reproduction has not caught up with the broadcast program, or if it is determined in step 410 that the time-shifted reproduction is not performed at a predetermined reproduction speed, the process proceeds to step 403 via step 412. Return.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the time axis and the playback position or the buffer amount of the broadcast program information stored in the buffer unit 1 for the operation shown in FIG. In the figure, T ₁ is a broadcast program pause time for starting content insertion, T ₂ is a broadcast program pause release time when content insertion is completed, and T ₃ is a broadcast program for starting other content insertion. pause time, the time T ₄ is unpaused time of the broadcast program by the end of the other content insertion, T ₅ is a time shift reproduction after the end of the content insertion catches up with the broadcast program, T _S is a synchronization point of the broadcast program , R _B is the speed of the broadcast program, R _S is faster than the speed of the broadcast program to the extent of not impairing the reproduction quality, a predetermined time-shift reproduction speed set in advance.

Referring to FIG. 5, at time T ₁ when the broadcast viewing is paused, time T ₅ after the suspension release time T ₂ catches up with the broadcast program at time T ₅ , and a predetermined time shift playback speed R _S and pause. It is calculated from the time (T ₂ −T ₁ ) and the buffer amount at the temporary stop time T _1, that is, the delay time from the broadcast program. Time T ₅ are the front of the synchronization point T _S, the pause is permitted.

Buffer fullness of the buffer unit 1 is increased from the pause start time T ₁ until pause release time T _2, decreased after temporary stop release time T _2, becomes zero at time T _5. On the other hand, in the pause time T ₃ of the broadcast viewing, when inserting the other content, for time shift reproduction is made after the time synchronization point T _S to catch up with the broadcast program, the pause and the other content Insertion is not allowed.

  6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining the operation in another embodiment of the time shift reproduction method according to the present invention. In the following, referring to FIG. 6, a pause in broadcasting viewing is instructed by the convenience of the viewer, and after the suspension is canceled, the broadcast program speed is set to catch up with the broadcasting program at the synchronization point set in the broadcasting program. Calculates a fast playback speed, performs time-shifted playback at the playback speed, and forces a pause instruction if the playback speed impairs playback quality (the playback speed is the maximum speed that does not impair playback quality) The operation of canceling the operation and starting the time shift reproduction at the calculated reproduction speed will be described. In the figure, steps 601 to 613 are processes executed by the time shift reproduction device 8 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Steps 601, 602, and 609 to 613 are the same processes as steps 201, 202, and 209 to 213 shown in FIG. 2, and steps 603 to 608 are different processes from the steps shown in FIG.

  The input unit 2 stores the broadcast program information A received from the outside in the buffer unit 1 (step S601). The buffer control unit 5 immediately transfers the broadcast program information stored in the buffer unit 1 to the output unit 7 at the same speed as the broadcast program, and the output unit 7 sends the speed at the same speed as the broadcast program from the reproduction speed control unit 6. Information is input, and broadcast program information C is output to the monitor (step S602). Thereby, the time shift reproduction device 8 can reproduce the broadcast program information on the monitor at the same speed as the broadcast program.

  The time shift instructing unit 4 inputs information B about the pause of broadcast viewing and the synchronization point of the broadcast program from outside, and the CPU 3 receives these information (step S603). Then, the CPU 3 instructs the buffer control unit 5 and the playback speed control unit 6 to stop playback (pause) (step S604). The CPU 3 proceeds to step 608 when receiving the broadcast viewing pause cancellation information B input by the time shift instruction unit 4 and proceeds to step 606 when there is no pause cancellation input (step 606). S605). CPU3 is based on the synchronization point of a broadcast program and the accumulation | storage amount of the broadcast program information in the buffer part 1 notified from the buffer control part 5, ie, the delay time from a broadcast program, when there is no input of cancellation | release of a pause. Then, the fast-forward playback speed of the time shift playback after the pause is released is calculated (step S606).

  The CPU 3 determines whether or not the calculated reproduction speed is high enough to impair reproduction quality (step S607). If it is determined that the reproduction quality is not so great as to impair the reproduction quality, the process returns to step 605. On the other hand, when it is determined that the maximum speed does not impair the reproduction quality, the pause is forcibly released. Then, the CPU 3 instructs the buffer control unit 5 and the playback speed control unit 6 to perform time shift playback from the pause point so that playback is performed at the playback speed calculated in step 606 (step S608).

  Then, the CPU 3 waits for notification from the buffer control unit 5 that information indicating that the amount of broadcast program information stored in the buffer unit 1 has become zero, and determines whether playback has caught up with the broadcast program. Judgment is made (step S609). Upon receiving the notification and determining that the playback has caught up with the broadcast program, it is determined whether or not the time-shifted playback has been performed at a predetermined playback speed (step S610). If it is determined that the time-shift playback has been performed at the playback speed, the buffer control unit 5 and the playback speed control unit 6 are instructed to play back at the same speed as the broadcast speed (step S611). Then, when receiving the viewing end from the time shift instruction unit 4 (step S612), the CPU 3 instructs the buffer control unit 5 and the playback speed control unit 6 to stop playback and stop output to the monitor (step S613). If it is determined in step 609 that the reproduction does not catch up with the broadcast program, or if it is determined in step 610 that the time shift reproduction is not performed at a predetermined reproduction speed, the process proceeds to step 603 via step 612. Return.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the time axis and the playback position or the buffer amount of the broadcast program information stored in the buffer unit 1 for the operation shown in FIG. In the figure, T ₁ is a time when a broadcast program is paused due to viewer convenience, T ₂ is a time until the pause is forcibly released, T ₃ is a time when the pause is forcibly released, T _S is a synchronization point of the broadcast program, R _B is the speed of the broadcast program, time-shift playback speed when R ₁ is releasing the pause at time T _2, R _M is the maximum time shift which does not cause deterioration of the reproduction quality Playback speed.

Referring to FIG. 7, at time T ₂ of the following temporary broadcast viewing stop time T _1, the time-shift playback speed R ₁ when releasing the pause at time T ₂ are, the synchronization point T _S, the time T ₂ Is calculated from the buffer amount at, that is, the delay time from the broadcast program. Time-shift playback speed R ₁ is smaller than the maximum time-shift playback speed R _M which does not cause deterioration of the reproduction quality, pause is not forcibly released, and waits for the operation of the temporary stop release by the viewer.

In the pause cancel time T ₃ the pause is canceled forced, for time-shift playback speed in the case of unsuspended pause cancel time T ₃ is greater than the maximum time-shift playback speed R _M, pause Force Canceled. Further, buffer fullness of the buffer unit 1 is increased from the pause start time T ₁ to unpause the time T ₃ to forcibly pause is released, it decreased after temporary stop release time T _3, the synchronization point It goes to zero at T _S.

  8 and 9 are diagrams for explaining the operation in another embodiment of the time shift reproduction method according to the present invention. In the following, referring to FIG. 8, a pause in broadcasting viewing is instructed by the convenience of the viewer, and after the suspension is canceled, the broadcast program speed is set to catch up with the broadcasting program at the synchronization point set in the broadcasting program. Operation to perform time-shift playback at a fast preset playback speed, and if the broadcast program cannot be caught up to the synchronization point (it can catch up to the broadcast program by the synchronization point is the limit), the suspension is forcibly released. An operation for starting time shift reproduction at the predetermined reproduction speed will be described. In the figure, steps 801 to 813 are processes executed by the time shift reproduction device 8 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Steps 801, 802, 809 to 813 are the same as steps 201, 202, and 209 to 213 shown in FIG. 2, and steps 803 to 805 are the same as steps 603 to 605 shown in FIG. Yes, steps 806 to 808 are different from the steps shown in FIGS.

  The input unit 2 accumulates the broadcast program information A received from the outside in the buffer unit 1 (step S801). The buffer control unit 5 immediately transfers the broadcast program information stored in the buffer unit 1 to the output unit 7 at the same speed as the broadcast program, and the output unit 7 sends the speed at the same speed as the broadcast program from the reproduction speed control unit 6. Information is input, and broadcast program information C is output to the monitor (step S802). Thereby, the time shift reproduction device 8 can reproduce the broadcast program information on the monitor at the same speed as the broadcast program.

  The time shift instructing unit 4 inputs information B about the pause of broadcast viewing and the synchronization point of the broadcast program from the outside, and the CPU 3 receives these information (step S803). Then, the CPU 3 instructs the buffer control unit 5 and the playback speed control unit 6 to stop playback (pause) (step S804). The CPU 3 proceeds to step 808 when receiving the broadcast viewing pause release information B input by the time shift instruction unit 4 and proceeds to step 806 when there is no pause release input (step 806). S805). When there is no pause release input, the CPU 3 sets a predetermined time-shift playback speed that is faster than the broadcast program speed, and the amount of broadcast program information stored in the buffer unit 1 that is notified from the buffer control unit 5. That is, based on the delay time from the broadcast program, the time for time-shift playback to catch up with the broadcast program when the pause is canceled is calculated (step S806).

  The CPU 3 compares the calculated time with the synchronization point, and determines whether or not the time shift reproduction catches up with the broadcast program by the synchronization point. If it is determined to catch up to the synchronization point, the process returns to step 805. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is the limit to catch up to the synchronization point, the temporary stop is forcibly released (step S807). Then, the CPU 3 instructs the buffer control unit 5 and the playback speed control unit 6 to perform time shift playback from the pause point so that playback is performed at a predetermined playback speed (step S808).

  Then, the CPU 3 waits for notification from the buffer control unit 5 that information indicating that the amount of broadcast program information stored in the buffer unit 1 has become zero, and determines whether playback has caught up with the broadcast program. Judgment is made (step S809). Upon receiving the notification and determining that the playback has caught up with the broadcast program, it is determined whether or not the time-shifted playback has been performed at a predetermined playback speed (step S810). If it is determined that the time-shift playback has been performed at the playback speed, the buffer control unit 5 and the playback speed control unit 6 are instructed to play back at the same speed as the broadcast speed (step S811). Then, when receiving the viewing end from the time shift instruction unit 4 (step S812), the CPU 3 instructs the buffer control unit 5 and the reproduction speed control unit 6 to stop reproduction and output to the monitor (step S813). If it is determined in step 809 that the reproduction does not catch up with the broadcast program, or if it is determined in step 810 that the time shift reproduction is not performed at a predetermined reproduction speed, the process proceeds to step 803 via step 812. Return.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the time axis and the playback position or the buffer amount of the broadcast program information stored in the buffer unit 1 for the operation shown in FIG. In the figure, T ₁ is a time when a broadcast program is paused due to viewer convenience, T ₂ is a time until the pause is forcibly released, T ₃ is a time when the pause is forcibly released, T ₄ when the time-shift playing when the pause at time T ₂ has cleared catch up with the broadcast program, T _S is a synchronization point of the broadcast program, speed of R _B is a broadcast program, the R _S than the speed of the broadcast program Is a predetermined time shift reproduction speed set in advance.

Referring to FIG. 9, the pause time T ₁ of the broadcast viewing, time T ₄ to time shift reproduction after pause release time T ₂ catches up with the broadcast program, a predetermined time-shift playback speed R _S, Pause It is calculated from the delay time from the buffer amount i.e. a broadcast program in the release time T _2. Time T ₄ are the front of the synchronization point T _S, the pause is not forcibly released, and waits for the operation of the temporary stop release by the viewer.

In the pause cancel time T _3, when the pause pause release time T ₃ is released, since the time-shift playback is time synchronization point T _S and later catch up with the broadcast program, pause is forcibly released . Further, buffer fullness of the buffer unit 1 is increased from the pause start time T ₁ to unpause the time T ₃ to forcibly pause is released, it decreased after temporary stop release time T _3, the synchronization point It goes to zero at T _S.

  The time-shift playback device 8 includes a volatile storage medium such as a CPU and a RAM, a nonvolatile storage medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), an input device such as a keyboard and a pointing device, and a monitor that displays images and data. You may make it comprise with a computer apparatus provided with the interface for communicating with an apparatus and an external apparatus. In this case, the functions of the buffer unit 1, the input unit 2, the CPU 3, the time shift instruction unit 4, the buffer control unit 5, the playback speed control unit 6, and the output unit 7 provided in the time shift playback device 8 have these functions. This is realized by causing the CPU to execute the described program. These programs can also be stored and distributed in a storage medium such as a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk, etc.), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), semiconductor memory, or the like.

  The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiment. However, the above description is intended to help the understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the scope of the claims of the present invention. Accordingly, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and intention of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the time-shifted playback after the broadcast viewing is paused is performed at a playback speed higher than the broadcast speed of the broadcast program (step 208 in FIG. 2 and step 408 in FIG. 4). Step 608 in FIG. 6 and Step 808 in FIG. 8), the buffer control unit 5 fast-forwards the broadcast program information stored in the buffer unit 1 and transfers it to the output unit 7, and the playback speed control unit 6 is fast-forwarded. Broadcast program information may be output to a monitor. Also, the buffer control unit 5 thins out video frames from the broadcast program information stored in the buffer unit 1, and the thinned broadcast is performed at a speed slower than the playback speed or the same as the broadcast speed of the broadcast program. The program information is transferred to the output unit 7, and the playback speed control unit 6 outputs the thinned broadcast program information to the monitor at a speed slower than the playback speed or the same as the broadcast speed of the broadcast program. Also good.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the CPU 3 sends information indicating that the reproduction has caught up with the broadcast program and that the accumulated amount of the broadcast program information accumulated in the buffer unit 1 is zero from the buffer control unit 5. Although it is determined by being notified (step 209 in FIG. 2, step 409 in FIG. 4, step 609 in FIG. 6, step 809 in FIG. 8), the buffer control unit 5 determines the time for reproduction to catch up with the broadcast program. It may be preliminarily calculated based on the reproduction speed instructed and the pause time or the accumulated amount of broadcast program information, and may be regarded as having caught up when the time has elapsed.

  In the above embodiment, the synchronization point of the broadcast program is input and designated by the time shift instruction unit 4 (step 203 in FIG. 2, step 403 in FIG. 4, step 603 in FIG. 6). Step 803) in FIG. 8 may be specified independently of the broadcast program as in metadata, or may be specified as included in the broadcast program information.

It is a figure explaining the structure in one Embodiment of the time shift reproducing | regenerating apparatus by this invention. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement in one Embodiment of the time shift reproduction | regeneration method by this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a correspondence between a time axis and a reproduction position or a buffer amount for the operation shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement in other embodiment of the time shift reproduction | regeneration method by this invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the time axis and the playback position or buffer amount for the operation shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement in other embodiment of the time shift reproduction | regeneration method by this invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the time axis and the playback position or buffer amount for the operation shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement in other embodiment of the time shift reproduction | regeneration method by this invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a correspondence between a time axis and a reproduction position or a buffer amount for the operation illustrated in FIG. 8.

Explanation of symbols

1 Buffer unit 2 Input unit 3 CPU
4 Time shift instruction unit 5 Buffer control unit 6 Playback speed control unit 7 Output unit 8 Time shift playback device

Claims (18)

In a time-shift playback method of accumulating broadcast program information that progresses regardless of the pause according to a request to pause broadcast viewing and playing the broadcast program using the accumulated information,
In order to catch up with the broadcast program by the synchronization point set for the broadcast program after canceling the pause and accumulating the broadcast program information by pausing the broadcast viewing according to the request, the broadcast speed of the broadcast program is exceeded. A time-shift reproduction method, wherein reproduction is performed at a high reproduction speed, and when the reproduction catches up with a broadcast program, broadcast viewing is performed at the broadcast speed of the broadcast program. The request for pausing the viewing of the broadcast is a request for pausing for inserting content such as an advertisement into a broadcast program,
Before pausing according to the request, the playback speed is calculated so that the playback catches up with the broadcast program by the synchronization point, and the playback speed is higher than a preset speed that does not impair the quality of the playback. 2. The time-shift playback method according to claim 1, wherein the temporary stop request is not permitted. The request for pausing viewing of the broadcast is a request for pausing for inserting content such as advertisements into a broadcast program,
The playback speed is a preset speed that does not impair the quality of playback,
Before pausing according to the request, calculate the point at which playback based on the playback speed catches up with the broadcast program, and if the point is later than the synchronization point, do not allow the pause request The time-shift playback method according to claim 1, wherein: The request for pausing the broadcast viewing is a request for the convenience of the viewer,
Pause according to the request, calculate the playback speed so that playback catches up with the broadcast program by the synchronization point, and when the playback speed is higher than a preset speed that does not impair the quality of playback, The time-shift playback method according to claim 1, wherein the pause is forcibly canceled. The request for pausing the broadcast viewing is a request for the convenience of the viewer,
When the playback is paused according to the request and the playback speed is set to a preset speed that does not impair the quality of playback, the point at which playback based on the playback speed catches up with the broadcast program is calculated, and the point is 2. The time-shift playback method according to claim 1, wherein the temporary stop is forcibly canceled when it is after the synchronization point.   5. The reproduction speed is calculated based on a synchronization point and a reproduction delay time from a broadcast program at the time when the pause is released. Time shift playback method.   6. The point at which the reproduction catches up with the broadcast program is calculated from a reproduction speed and a reproduction delay time from the broadcast program at the time when the pause is canceled. The time shift reproduction method according to item. In a time-shift playback device that receives and accumulates information on a broadcast program that progresses regardless of the pause according to a request to pause broadcast viewing, and reproduces the broadcast program using the accumulated information,
In accordance with the pause request, a buffer unit for storing received broadcast program information;
In accordance with the request for pause, the broadcast viewing is paused and the broadcast program information is accumulated in the buffer unit, and after releasing the pause, so as to catch up with the broadcast program by the synchronization point set for the broadcast program, The broadcast program information stored in the buffer unit is read out at a playback speed faster than the broadcast speed of the broadcast program, and the broadcast program is played back. When the playback catches up with the broadcast program, the broadcast viewing is performed at the broadcast speed of the broadcast program. And a control unit for performing the time-shift reproduction apparatus. The request for pausing viewing of the broadcast is a request for pausing for inserting content such as advertisements into a broadcast program,
The control unit calculates the playback speed so that the playback catches up with the broadcast program by the synchronization point before pausing the broadcast according to the pause request, and the playback speed does not impair the quality of the playback. 9. The time-shift playback apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when the speed is higher than a preset speed, the request for pause is not permitted. The request for pausing the viewing of the broadcast is a request for pausing for inserting content such as an advertisement into a broadcast program,
The playback speed is a preset speed that does not impair the quality of playback,
The control unit calculates a point at which playback based on the playback speed catches up with the broadcast program before pausing broadcast viewing according to a pause request, and when the point is later than the synchronization point, The time-shift playback apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a request for pause is not permitted. The request for pausing the broadcast viewing is a request for the convenience of the viewer,
The control unit pauses broadcast viewing according to a pause request, accumulates broadcast program information in the buffer control unit, calculates a playback speed so that playback is caught up with the broadcast program by the synchronization point, and plays the playback 9. The time-shift playback apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the pause is forcibly released when the speed is equal to or higher than a preset speed that does not impair the quality of playback. The request for pausing the broadcast viewing is a request for the convenience of the viewer,
The control unit pauses broadcast viewing in accordance with a pause request, accumulates broadcast program information in the buffer control unit, and sets the playback speed to a preset speed that does not impair the quality of playback. 9. The point at which playback based on the playback speed catches up with a broadcast program is calculated, and when the point is after the synchronization point, the pause is forcibly released. Time shift playback device.   12. The playback speed according to claim 8, wherein the playback speed is calculated based on a synchronization point and a delay time of playback from the broadcast program at the time when the pause is released. Time shift playback device.   The point at which the reproduction catches up with the broadcast program is calculated from the reproduction speed and the reproduction delay time from the broadcast program at the time when the pause is released. The time-shift playback device according to item.   The reproduction at a higher reproduction speed than the broadcast speed of the broadcast program is made by fast-forwarding the broadcast program by the accumulated broadcast program information or by thinning out the accumulated broadcast program information. The time shift reproducing device according to any one of the above.   The determination that the reproduction has caught up with a broadcast program is made based on an accumulation amount of broadcast program information or the reproduction speed and a pause time. Time shift playback device.   The time-shift playback apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 16, wherein the synchronization point is set independently of a broadcast program or is set by information included in the broadcast program. . Time shift to be executed by a computer constituting a time shift playback device that stores information on a broadcast program that progresses regardless of the pause and reproduces the broadcast program using the stored information in accordance with a request for pause of broadcast viewing A playback program,
Processing for temporarily stopping broadcast viewing according to the request and storing broadcast program information;
A process of playing back at a higher playback speed than the broadcast speed of the broadcast program so as to catch up with the broadcast program by the synchronization point set for the broadcast program after releasing the pause;
When the reproduction catches up with a broadcast program, a time shift reproduction program that executes a process of viewing a broadcast at the broadcast speed of the broadcast program.

Images