JP2005260862A - Image reproducing apparatus and system, and terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reproducing apparatus which is capable of displaying a thumbnail image produced from recorded video data with operability similar to that of operation of video equipment. <P>SOLUTION: An instruction input section 73 notifies a central control section 71 of inputted starting instruction and operating instruction. The central control section 71 to which said instructions are notifies, produces a thumbnail image based on recorded video data stored in an auxiliary storage memory 723 according to the operating instruction, stores the produced thumbnail image in the auxiliary storage memory 723 and displays it on a display screen of a video output section 75. A user views the displayed thumbnail image and instructs the next operation from the instruction input section 73. The central control section 71 to which the new operation is instructed, produces a thumbnail image from a currently stopped reproducing position according to the new operating instruction, replaces the produced thumbnail image with the first displayed thumbnail image and displays the thumbnail image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image playback device, an image playback system, and a terminal device that can update and display thumbnail images generated from recorded data.

  A video recording device capable of performing a TV broadcast recording operation from the outside via the Internet, a public line, a wireless line, etc. using a terminal device such as a mobile phone or a mobile PC (Personal Computer) has been realized. Yes. Also, in a high-speed network environment, a terminal device has been realized that can connect to a video recording device from a remote location via a network, receive recording data stored in the video recording device as digital data, and play it back. .

  However, there are situations in which only a network environment with a low transfer rate, a network environment in which high charges are generated according to the amount of data transfer or communication time, or a terminal device with a low processing capability can be used. In this case, there is no problem as long as a simple operation of the video recording apparatus such as a program recording reservation is performed, but it is difficult to enjoy the recorded video content.

  In such a situation, as a method of viewing the recorded video on the mobile terminal side, instead of viewing the video that was played back the recorded video content, a still image at a specific time of the recorded video content, or There has been proposed an apparatus capable of transmitting only a reduced image of the still image (hereinafter referred to as a thumbnail image) to the terminal device side and displaying and viewing the transmitted thumbnail image.

  For example, the terminal device receives and displays a thumbnail image at a specific time generated by the video recording apparatus, and the user performs a next operation, for example, an operation for requesting to display a thumbnail image after a specified time. In this case, there is a video recording apparatus which is a first conventional technique in which the video recording apparatus generates and transmits a thumbnail image after a specified time and the terminal apparatus displays the transmitted thumbnail image.

  In addition, a sample image frame is created by sampling a video frame group of the original video data at an arbitrary time interval and an arbitrary size, and between the original video frames corresponding to each sample image frame. The screen change amount is saved together with the created sample image frame, and when displaying the saved sample image frame sequentially, the display timing of the next sample image frame to be displayed is changed according to the screen change amount. There is a second prior art video search device and video playback device that can easily display a video by using a sample image frame, even if the device has a low CPU capability. , See Patent Document 1).

  In addition, a series of thumbnail images is created from a plurality of frames belonging to moving image data at each scene change or at a certain time interval, and a fixed number of the created thumbnail images are displayed from the top. The third conventional technique allows the user to easily understand what the moving image data is by sequentially replacing the displayed thumbnail images with the first thumbnail image that has already been displayed. There are thumbnail creation methods and thumbnail display methods (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  Also, the time axis data indicating the position of the first image of each scene in the movie file and the index name corresponding to the contents of each scene are displayed. When the user specifies the index name, the first image of the scene corresponding to the specified index is displayed. In addition, there is a digital image management search system that is a fourth prior art that facilitates access to a specific scene by displaying the image data and enabling the reproduction of the image data (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

  In addition, a thumbnail image at a time obtained by dividing the start time and end time specified by the user with a predetermined value is generated and displayed, and the user sees the displayed thumbnail image and newly starts the start time. The user can generate and display a predetermined number of thumbnail images based on the start time specified by the user and the time interval between the thumbnail images to be generated. There is a video recording apparatus that is a fifth prior art that allows a user to reach a desired point by repeatedly viewing a thumbnail image and repeatedly specifying a start time and a time interval.

  Although not dealing with thumbnail images, when summarizing the video, a scene that lasts for a certain period of time or a main scene similar to the digest part is extracted as a representative image, and the extracted representative image There is a video summarization method and a video display method which are the sixth prior arts that can be displayed in a batch, or a partial video corresponding to the representative image is sequentially played back and can be played back from the scene of the representative image selected by the user ( For example, see Patent Document 4).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a thumbnail image display example and an operation for the thumbnail image in an embodiment of the video recording apparatus according to the fifth prior art. Screens 90 to 94 are display units of a terminal device such as a mobile phone or a mobile PC, for example, a screen of a liquid crystal display, and each display a plurality of thumbnail images from different times.

  The screen 90 is a screen that is displayed first (first time), and displays six thumbnail images at a time interval of 50.0 from time t = 0.0 to time t = 250.0. In each case, the time of each thumbnail image is displayed.

  The user determines that the first target video is in the vicinity of time t = 50.0 (a gray thumbnail image), and displays it from the terminal device at time interval 10.0 from time t = 50.0. When instructed to do so, a screen 91 displaying a second thumbnail image is displayed. In this example, the screen 91 displays five thumbnail images at time interval 10.0 from time t = 50.0.

  The user further determines that the first target video is in the vicinity of time t = 60.0 (a gray thumbnail image), and from the terminal device, from time t = 60.0, time interval 2.0. When the display is instructed, a screen 92 displaying a third thumbnail image is displayed. In this example, the screen 92 displays five thumbnail images at time interval 2.0 from time t = 60.0. Among these, the thumbnail image at time t = 62.0 (the thumbnail image displayed in gray) is the first target image.

  In addition, when the user wants to view the video for the second purpose, or when the user instructs to display the first screen, the screen 90 is displayed again. Similarly, it is determined that the second target video is in the vicinity of the time t = 200.0 (gray-displayed thumbnail image), and the time interval 10. When instructed to display at 0, a screen 93 displaying the second thumbnail image is displayed. Further, it is determined that the second target video is in the vicinity of time t = 220.0 (a gray thumbnail image), and is displayed from the terminal device at time interval 2.0 from time t = 220.0. When this is instructed, a screen 94 displaying a third thumbnail image is displayed. At time t = 222.0, there is a thumbnail image (grayed thumbnail image) which is the second target image.

JP 2000-287165 A JP-A-11-284948 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-13773 JP-A-10-112835

  In the first prior art described above, each thumbnail image is displayed one by one, and a user operation is required every time to display the next thumbnail image. There is a problem that the user is forced to put effort.

  Further, the above-described video display using thumbnail images according to the second to fourth prior arts can be used as auxiliary means for video handling, for example, setting of video editing points and chapter division division points. In many cases, the purpose was sufficiently achieved by displaying a thumbnail image created in advance at each scene change or every fixed time interval, but in order to enjoy the contents of the video content displayed by the thumbnail image It was not enough.

  In other words, the conventional technique of displaying thumbnail images created in advance at each scene change or at certain time intervals may not maintain continuity between thumbnail images to the extent that the outline of the video can be understood. There is a problem that a thumbnail image of a video desired by a user may not be included in a thumbnail image created in advance.

  In the fifth prior art described above, the target video can be reached. However, since the time interval between the thumbnail images displayed first is rough, the target video is displayed from the displayed thumbnail images. In some cases, it is not possible to specify which thumbnail image is closest to the image. In this case, there is a problem that several trials and errors are required.

  In the sixth prior art described above, a representative image extracted in advance is displayed. If the representative image does not include an image in the vicinity of the target image, the target image is found. There is a problem that sometimes cannot be.

  In addition, each of the conventional techniques is different from the operation on the video device. For the purpose of understanding the outline of the video and enjoying the video that reaches the target video, it is easy to operate. There is a problem that is not good.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image playback device, an image playback system, and a terminal device that can display thumbnail images generated from recorded data with the same operability as the operation of a video device.

The present invention provides an image reproducing apparatus including a generating unit that generates a thumbnail image obtained by reducing a still image at an arbitrary position of image data, and a display unit that displays the thumbnail image generated by the generating unit.
A selection means for selecting a combination of a reproduction direction for reproducing the image data and a time interval of the generated thumbnail image from predetermined combinations;
The generating means generates a predetermined number of thumbnail images at a time interval of the selected combination in a playback direction of the selected combination from a current playback stop position of the image data. An image playback device.

  In the invention, it is preferable that the combination includes a combination of a playback direction and a time interval corresponding to playback, fast forward, rewind, and slow in a video device.

Further, the present invention provides the image reproducing device having designation means for designating a reproduction start position of image data and / or a time interval for generating a thumbnail image,
When the reproduction start position is designated, the generation means starts from the designated reproduction start position and / or when the time interval is designated, the thumbnail image at the designated time interval. Is generated for a predetermined number of sheets.

According to the present invention, the image reproduction device is configured to generate a thumbnail image based on the combination selected by the selection unit and then generate the thumbnail image based on a combination predicted to be selected next. Holding means for holding the generated thumbnail image;
The display means displays the thumbnail image held in the holding means when the next selected combination is the same as the predicted combination.

According to the present invention, the image reproduction apparatus is configured to generate a thumbnail image based on the combination selected by the selection unit, and then to generate a playback start position before and after a reproduction start position where the generation unit is predicted to be designated thereafter. Holding means for holding thumbnail images generated for a predetermined range;
When the thumbnail image generated from the reproduction start position designated next is in the thumbnail image held by the holding means, the display means designates the thumbnail image held by the holding means next. The thumbnail image generated from the reproduction start position is displayed.

Also, in the present invention, the image reproduction device has detection means for detecting whether the image data includes a CM video,
When the detection means detects the image data of the CM portion, the generation means does not generate a thumbnail image for the CM portion image data, but generates a thumbnail image for the image data subsequent to the CM portion. It is characterized by generating.

Further, the present invention, the image playback device has search means for searching whether or not a character display is included in the image data in a predetermined range before and after the current playback stop position of the image data,
The generation unit generates a thumbnail image from image data in a range including the searched character display when the search unit searches for a character display, and preferentially includes the generated thumbnail image in a predetermined number of images. It is characterized by that.

Further, according to the present invention, the image reproduction device acquires acquisition means for acquiring audio data for a predetermined time from a reproduction position of the first thumbnail image generated by the generation unit;
When the display means displays a thumbnail image, the display means has voice output means for outputting voice data acquired by the acquisition means.

According to the present invention, the image reproduction device receives a plurality of video contents selected from video contents broadcast from a broadcasting station in parallel.
Creating means for creating image data in parallel from the received plurality of video contents,
The generation means generates thumbnail images based on the combination selected by the selection means for the image data of the video content selected from the created image data.

According to the present invention, the image playback device includes a receiving unit that selects and receives one video content from video content broadcast from a plurality of broadcasting stations.
Creating means for creating received video content as image data;
The generation unit generates a thumbnail image based on the combination selected by the selection unit for the created image data.

Further, in the present invention, the receiving means sequentially selects and receives one video content from video content broadcast from a plurality of broadcasting stations at a predetermined time,
The recording means creates image data from sequentially received video content selected,
The generating unit generates a thumbnail image for image data of video content selected from the created image data based on the combination selected by the selecting unit.

Further, the present invention, the image playback device has a storage means for storing the generated thumbnail image in association with the broadcast station that broadcast the video content that is the basis of the generated thumbnail image,
The display means displays thumbnail images corresponding to a plurality of broadcast stations,
The reception unit selects a broadcast station associated with the selected thumbnail image from the displayed thumbnail images.

In addition, the present invention provides a recording / playback apparatus including a generating unit that generates a thumbnail image obtained by reducing a still image at an arbitrary position of image data, and a recording communication unit that transmits the generated thumbnail image;
In an image reproduction system configured to include a terminal communication unit that receives a thumbnail image transmitted from the recording / reproduction device and a terminal device that has a display unit that displays the received thumbnail image,
The terminal device includes a selection unit that selects a combination of a reproduction direction in which the image data is reproduced and a time interval of a generated thumbnail image from predetermined combinations,
The terminal communication means transmits information indicating the selected combination to the recording / playback apparatus,
The recording communication means receives information indicating the combination transmitted by the terminal communication means,
The generation unit of the recording / playback apparatus has predetermined thumbnail images of the time intervals of the combinations included in the received information in the playback direction of the combinations included in the received information from the current playback stop position of the image data. This is an image reproduction system characterized in that a predetermined number of images are generated.

According to the present invention, the recording / playback device stores the position specifying information for specifying the playback position in the image data of the generated thumbnail image and the thumbnail specifying information for specifying the thumbnail image together with the generated thumbnail image. Having information storage means,
The recording communication means transmits the thumbnail specifying information together with the thumbnail image when transmitting the thumbnail image,
The terminal communication means transmits thumbnail specifying information for specifying a thumbnail image selected from the transmitted thumbnail images to the recording / playback apparatus,
The recording / playback apparatus performs an operation associated with the predetermined operation from the start position of the thumbnail image, assuming that the predetermined operation of the recording / playback apparatus is performed based on the received thumbnail specifying information. It is characterized by that.

According to the present invention, the recording / playback device stores the position specifying information for specifying the playback position in the image data of the generated thumbnail image and the thumbnail specifying information for specifying the thumbnail image together with the generated thumbnail image. Having information storage means,
The recording communication means transmits the thumbnail specifying information together with the thumbnail image when transmitting the thumbnail image,
The terminal communication means transmits thumbnail specifying information for specifying a thumbnail image selected from the transmitted thumbnail images to the recording / playback apparatus,
The recording communication means transmits image data from the start position of the thumbnail image specified by the received thumbnail specifying information to the terminal device,
The display means reproduces and displays the transmitted image data.

According to the present invention, the recording / playback apparatus sequentially receives and receives one video content from video content broadcast from a plurality of broadcasting stations at a predetermined time,
Creating means for creating image data from the video content received by sequentially selecting;
Storing means for storing the created recorded image data together with broadcast station specifying information for specifying a broadcast station that broadcasts the video content on which the created recorded image data is based;
The generation means generates a thumbnail image based on the combination selected by the selection means for the created image data,
The recording communication means transmits the broadcast station specifying information together with the generated thumbnail image when transmitting the generated thumbnail image,
The display means of the terminal device sequentially displays thumbnail images for each broadcasting station specified by the broadcasting station specifying information,
The terminal communication means transmits the broadcast station specifying information indicating the broadcast station of the thumbnail image selected from the displayed thumbnail images to the recording / playback apparatus,
The receiving means of the recording / playback apparatus selects a broadcast station specified by the received broadcast station specifying information.

The present invention also provides a communication means for receiving a thumbnail image transmitted from a recording / playback apparatus capable of generating a thumbnail image obtained by reducing a still image at an arbitrary position of image data;
In a terminal device having display means for displaying a received thumbnail image,
The terminal device includes a selection unit that selects a combination of a reproduction direction in which the image data is reproduced and a time interval of a generated thumbnail image from predetermined combinations,
The communication means can transmit the information indicating the selected combination to the recording / playback apparatus, thereby causing the recording / playback apparatus to generate a thumbnail image based on the combination included in the transmitted information. This is a characteristic terminal device.

  According to the present invention, since the combination of the playback direction and the time interval for generating the thumbnail image can be selected from the current playback stop position of the recorded data, the thumbnail image generated from the recorded data is operated in the same manner as the operation of the video equipment. The thumbnail image of the recorded data can be updated and displayed without impairing the continuity of the outline of the video between the thumbnail images, and the target video can be reached.

  Further, according to the present invention, a combination of a playback direction and a time interval corresponding to playback, fast forward, rewind, and slow on a video device can be selected, so that a thumbnail image generated from recorded data is similar to the operation of the video device. The thumbnail images can be displayed with a simple operation equivalent to that of a normal video device.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the playback start position for playing back the recorded data can be specified, the thumbnail image generated from the recorded data can be displayed with the same operability as the operation of the video device, and the target video has already been displayed. When the position of the image is grasped to some extent, the target video can be reached earlier, and more flexible image reproduction can be performed.

  Also, according to the present invention, thumbnail images are generated according to the combination that is predicted to be selected next, so that the thumbnail images generated from the recorded data can be displayed with the same operability as the operation of the video equipment. If the next selected combination matches the predicted combination, the thumbnail image can be displayed quickly.

  Further, according to the present invention, since a thumbnail image in a predetermined time range before and after the reproduction start position predicted to be designated thereafter is generated and held, the thumbnail image generated from the recorded data is operated on the video device. If the next playback start position matches the predicted playback start position, the thumbnail image may be displayed earlier.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the thumbnail image is not created for the recording data of the CM (Commercial) portion, the thumbnail image generated from the recording data can be displayed with the same operability as the operation of the video device. The thumbnail image without the CM portion can be displayed, and the target video can be reached more quickly.

  Further, according to the present invention, a portion including the character display in the recorded data is searched, and a thumbnail image is generated from the searched portion and displayed with priority, so that the thumbnail image generated from the recorded data is the same as the operation of the video device. In addition, when it is difficult to grasp the contents only with the thumbnail image, the contents can be understood more.

  According to the present invention, since the audio data from the playback position of the first thumbnail image on the display screen is acquired and output, the thumbnail image generated from the recorded data is displayed with the same operability as the operation of the video device. In addition, when it is difficult to grasp the contents only with the thumbnail image, the contents of the video can be understood with only a small increase in the amount of data communication.

  According to the present invention, since the recording data is created from a plurality of video contents selected from the video contents broadcast from the broadcasting station, the thumbnail image generated from the recording data is operated in the same manner as the operation of the video equipment. In addition, a thumbnail image can be displayed by selecting broadcast video content.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the recording data is created from one video content selected from the video content broadcast from a plurality of broadcasting stations, the thumbnail image generated from the recording data is similar to the operation of the video device. In addition, it is possible to display a thumbnail image of the selected video content.

  Further, according to the present invention, a thumbnail image is generated based on recording data created by sequentially selecting one video content from video content broadcasted from a plurality of broadcasting stations at predetermined times. A thumbnail image generated from the recorded data can be displayed with the same operability as the operation of the video device, and a thumbnail image can be displayed by selecting a broadcast video content.

  According to the present invention, a thumbnail image is generated based on recorded data created by sequentially selecting one video content from video content broadcasted from a plurality of broadcasting stations in a predetermined time. The thumbnail images generated from the broadcast stations are displayed, so that the thumbnail images generated from the recorded data can be displayed with the same operability as the operation of the video equipment, and the broadcast station can be selected by selecting the thumbnail images. You can choose.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the combination of the playback direction and the time interval for generating the thumbnail image can be selected from the current playback stop position of the recorded data, the thumbnail image generated from the recorded data can be selected in the same manner as the operation of the video device. It can be displayed with operability, and the thumbnail image of the recorded data can be updated and displayed without impairing the continuity of the outline of the video between the thumbnail images to reach the target video.

  According to the present invention, the specific information for specifying the reproduction position in the recorded data of the generated thumbnail image is stored in association with the thumbnail image, so that the thumbnail image generated from the recorded data is stored in the video device operation. It is possible to display with the same operability, and by selecting a thumbnail image, it is possible to operate a predetermined recording / playback apparatus from the start position of the thumbnail image.

  According to the present invention, the specific information for specifying the playback position in the recording data of the generated thumbnail image is stored in association with the thumbnail image, and the recording data from the playback position of the selected thumbnail image is stored in the terminal device. Since it is transmitted, the thumbnail image generated from the recorded data can be displayed with the same operability as the operation of the video device, and the playback video of the recorded data from the selected thumbnail image can be viewed on the terminal device side. .

  Further, according to the present invention, a thumbnail image is generated from one video content selected from video content broadcast from a plurality of broadcasting stations, and the video content based on the generated thumbnail image is broadcast. Since it is transmitted together with the broadcast station identification information that identifies the broadcast station, thumbnail images generated from the recorded data can be displayed with the same operability as the operation of the video equipment, and it can be selected when the thumbnail image is selected. A broadcast station corresponding to the thumbnail image thus selected can be selected.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the combination of the playback direction and the time interval for generating the thumbnail image can be selected from the current playback stop position of the recorded data, the thumbnail image generated from the recorded data can be selected in the same manner as the operation of the video device. It can be displayed with operability, and the thumbnail image of the recorded data can be updated and displayed without impairing the continuity of the outline of the video between the thumbnail images to reach the target video.

  In addition, according to the present invention, even when the processing capability of a device for playing back images is insufficient or when the network communication band is insufficient, the images can be viewed with thumbnail images, and high-speed If the communication fee is high on the network, the fee can be reduced by using thumbnail images.

  Further, according to the present invention, in an apparatus that cannot reproduce two images, even if one image is already reproduced, another image can be viewed as a thumbnail image, and other images can be searched and searched. Can do.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image reproduction system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image reproduction system 1 is represented by a PVR (Personal Video Recorder), for example, a recording / reproducing apparatus 10 capable of recording and storing a television broadcast as recording data in a recording medium and reproducing the recorded data stored in the recording medium. For example, it is configured to include a portable terminal device 20 for personal use such as a mobile phone or a mobile PC (Personal Computer) capable of remotely operating the recorded data. Further, when the recording / playback apparatus 10 is a main device, the terminal device 20 is an external device for remotely operating the main device, for example, an external device such as a remote control device having a display unit such as a liquid crystal display. But you can.

  The recording / playback apparatus 10 includes a central control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an instruction input unit 14, a video output unit 15, and a video input unit 16. The storage unit 12 includes a program memory 121, There is a working memory 122 and an auxiliary storage memory 123. The terminal device 20 includes a central control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an instruction input unit 24, and a video output unit 25. The storage unit 22 includes a program memory 221, a work memory 222, and There is an auxiliary storage memory 223.

  The central control unit 11 is a control unit that controls the entire recording / playback apparatus 10 and is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) realized by a microcomputer, and is stored in a program memory 121 that is a memory for storing a program. Various processes are executed by executing various programs and storing them in the work memory 122 which is a memory for temporarily storing information necessary for the processes.

  The central control unit 21 is a control unit that controls the terminal device 20 as a whole. For example, the central control unit 21 includes a CPU implemented by a microcomputer, and various programs stored in a program memory 221 that is a memory for storing programs. And various processes are performed by storing them in the work memory 222, which is a memory for temporarily storing information necessary for the processes.

  The auxiliary storage memory 123 for storing recording data and the auxiliary storage memory 223 for storing thumbnail images obtained by reducing still images acquired from the recording data use storage media such as a built-in HDD (Hard Disk Drive). However, an external HDD or a detachable recording medium such as a magnetic tape may be loaded and connected to a storage device capable of writing and reading.

  The instruction input unit 24 is an input unit for the user to perform operations on the recording / playback apparatus 10 and the mobile terminal 20, and includes, for example, buttons and numbers that are provided on mobile phones and the like, power-on / off, etc. An operation button for performing the operation or a keyboard or a mouse such as a mobile PC is used.

  When the user gives a start instruction for starting display of thumbnail images and an operation instruction for instructing various operations from the instruction input unit 24, the instruction input unit 24 sends the input start instruction and operation instruction to the central control unit. 21 is notified. The central control unit 21 transmits the notified start instruction and operation instruction to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 from the communication unit 23 that performs wireless communication.

  Upon receiving the transmitted start instruction and operation instruction, the communication unit 13 that performs wireless communication of the recording / playback apparatus 10 notifies the central control unit 11. The central control unit 11 notified of the start instruction and the operation instruction generates a thumbnail image based on the recording data stored in the auxiliary storage memory 123 according to the operation instruction, and the generated thumbnail image is transmitted via the communication unit 13. To the terminal device 20.

  The communication unit 23 of the terminal device 20 receives the transmitted thumbnail image and transfers it to the central control unit 21. The central control unit 21 stores the transferred thumbnail image in the auxiliary storage memory 223 and displays it on the display screen of the video output unit 25 which is an output unit for performing display such as a liquid crystal display or a monitor.

  The user views the displayed thumbnail image and instructs the next operation instruction from the instruction input unit 24. The newly instructed operation instruction is sent to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 by the central control unit 21, and the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 starts from the current reproduction position, that is, when the new operation instruction is received. Then, a thumbnail image is generated according to a new operation instruction and transmitted to the mobile terminal 20. The portable terminal 20 replaces the thumbnail image generated according to the new operation instruction with the thumbnail image displayed first, and displays the thumbnail image. Thereafter, this operation is repeated until the user reaches the target video.

  The video input unit 16 is realized by an antenna or tuner for receiving a television broadcast, a video or audio input terminal, a part that performs A-D (Analog-Digital) conversion, or the like. The video output unit 15 is a display unit for displaying a television broadcast video or a video obtained by reproducing recorded data. For example, a liquid crystal display or a monitor is used. The instruction input unit 14 is an input unit for inputting an instruction for selecting a television broadcast channel and an instruction for recording and reproduction.

Communication between the communication unit 13 of the recording / playback apparatus 10 and the communication unit 23 of the terminal device 20 does not have to be wireless communication, and may be wired communication such as a telephone line, infrared rays, or via the Internet. For example, in the case of the Internet, TCP / IP (
What is necessary is just to carry out by the protocol mounted on Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (for example, HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) etc.). In addition, when infrared rays are used, a protocol such as IrOBEX (Infrared Data Association Object Extended Protocol) may be used.

  The video input unit 16, the video output unit 15, and the instruction input unit 14 are not necessary when the recorded data stored in the auxiliary storage memory is read in accordance with an instruction from the terminal device 20 and a thumbnail image is displayed. .

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example of the display screen of the recording / playback system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the recording / reproducing apparatus 10, and the monitor 30 corresponds to the video output unit 15 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 10, and a television broadcast video is displayed on the display screen 31 of the monitor 30. And playback video of recorded data is displayed.

  FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of the display screen of the terminal device 20, and five thumbnail images 41 a to 41 e are displayed on the display screen 41 of the remote control device 40 that is a kind of the terminal device 20. The user operates the operation buttons 42a to 42j to display a thumbnail image, and by viewing the displayed thumbnail image, the user can understand the outline of the recorded data or search for a target video.

  The operations performed using the operation buttons 42a to 42j include operations such as playback, fast forward, rewind, and slow used in video equipment.

  Further, it is not necessary to display all the received thumbnail images at one time. If the screen is a small screen, the received thumbnail images may be scrolled several times.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a list of operations that can be instructed from the terminal device 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The operation button display, the key code, and the time interval and the number of thumbnail images to be generated are 11 types. Each operation button is displayed as a list.

  The orchids 50, 51, and 52 have “operation button display”, “key code”, and “time interval and number of thumbnail images to be generated”, respectively. The key code corresponding to the display of each operation button and the time interval and number of thumbnail images to be generated are shown. For example, in the row 53a, the key code “00” corresponding to the operation button display “>”, the time interval and the number of thumbnail images “1.0 (s) / 5” are described.

  A line 53a is an operation corresponding to playback of a video device, and lines 53b to 53e are functions corresponding to fast-forwarding, and correspond to fast-forwarding at 5 times speed, 10 times speed, 30 times speed, and 150 times speed, respectively. Lines 53f to 53i are operations corresponding to rewinding, corresponding to fast-forwarding at 5 times speed, 10 times speed, 30 times speed and 150 times speed, respectively, line 53j is slow playback at 0.5 times speed, and line 53k is This is a 0.5x slow rewind playback.

  A key code corresponding to the operation button pressed by the user is transmitted from the terminal device 20 to the recording / playback device 10 as an operation instruction. The list shown in FIG. 3 is stored in the work memory 222 of the terminal device 20, but the list without the “operation button display” menu 50, that is, the “key code” and the “generated thumbnail”. A list showing the correspondence between “time interval and number of images” is stored in the work memory 122 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 10, and the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 grasps an operation instructed by the user from the key code. Can do.

  Portability of terminal devices such as the remote control device 40 is important, and the number of operation buttons is limited in order to reduce the size of the device, and individual operation buttons are assigned to the 11 types of operations described above. There are many cases where this is not possible. In such a case, an instruction may be given in correspondence with a combination of button operations, a time during which the button is pressed, or the like.

  In the embodiment described above, the number of sheets to be generated is five, but may be increased or decreased according to the size of the display screen. The fast-forward, rewind, and slow playback speeds and types may be changed or increased or decreased in consideration of the form used.

  In addition to operations prepared in advance, the user can specify the playback direction and the time interval between the thumbnail images to be generated, and the specified playback direction and the time interval between the thumbnail images to be generated can be recorded as operation instructions. You may instruct | indicate to a reproducing | regenerating apparatus.

  In addition, it is possible to specify the playback start position of the recorded data (video time when playback of the recorded data starts) and the number of images to be generated, and record the specified playback start position and the number of images to be generated as an operation instruction. The playback apparatus 10 may be instructed. In this case, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 does not generate a thumbnail image from the currently stopped reproduction position, but generates a thumbnail image from the designated reproduction start position.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a storage area of a program or stored data stored in a memory according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A shows a program stored in the program memory 121 of the recording / playback apparatus 10, and the stored programs include a video recording control program 121a, a video playback control program 121b, and thumbnail image generation control. There are a program 121c, a thumbnail image generation program 121d, and the like.

  The video recording control program 121 a is a program for performing control such that a video transmitted from the video input unit 16 is created as recording data and stored in the auxiliary storage memory 123. The video playback control program 121b is a program that performs control such that the recorded data stored in the auxiliary storage memory 123 is played back and displayed on the video display unit 15.

  The thumbnail image generation control program 121c is a program that plays a central role in processing for generating thumbnail images. The operation instruction instructed from the instruction input unit 24 of the portable terminal 20 is interpreted, and the interpreted content is instructed to the thumbnail image generation program 121d. That is, since the operation instruction from the portable terminal 20 is transmitted as a key code, the thumbnail image generation control program 121c is based on the list corresponding to the list shown in FIG. Thus, the time interval and the number of thumbnail images to be generated are obtained from the transmitted key code and set in the work memory 122. For example, when the key code of the operation instruction received from the portable terminal 20 is “00”, the information “1 second interval” and “5 sheets” is set in the work memory 122.

  The thumbnail image generation control program 121c instructs the thumbnail image generation program 121d to generate thumbnail images at the time interval and number set in the work memory 122. The thumbnail image generation program 121d generates thumbnail images for the number of times set in the work memory 122 from the playback position where the recorded data is currently stopped, and generates the generated thumbnails. The image is stored in the auxiliary storage memory 123.

  The thumbnail image generation control program 121 c reads out the thumbnail image generated from the auxiliary storage memory 123 and transmits it to the terminal device 20.

  FIG. 4B shows a storage area for data stored in the auxiliary storage memory 123 of the recording / playback apparatus 10. The storage areas for stored data include an index data storage section 123a and a recording data storage section 123b. , And thumbnail image data storage unit 123c.

  The index data storage unit 123a is a storage area that stores an index number, which is information for specifying the generated thumbnail image, and position information (time) on the recording data of the thumbnail image specified by the index number in association with each other. The recorded data storage unit 123b is a storage area for storing recorded data, and the thumbnail image data storage unit 123c is a storage area for storing thumbnail images.

  FIG. 4C shows a program stored in the program memory 221 of the terminal device 20, and the stored program includes a program such as a video display control program 221a.

  The video display control program 221 a is a program for displaying thumbnail images stored in the auxiliary storage memory 223 on the video output unit 25.

  FIG. 4D shows a storage area for data stored in the auxiliary storage memory 223 of the terminal device 20. The storage area for stored data includes an index data storage unit 223 a and a thumbnail image data storage unit 223 c. and so on.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main processing of the thumbnail image generation control program 121c of the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. This process is started when the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 receives a start instruction from the terminal apparatus 20.

  In step S1, it is confirmed whether or not a key code is included in the operation instruction received from the terminal device 20. When the key code is included, it is a case where an operation instruction such as reproduction, fast forward, rewind, or slow is given, the process proceeds to step S2, and when the key code is not included, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S <b> 2, the start position of the thumbnail image generated next to the last transmitted thumbnail image is set in the work memory 122.

  In step S 3, the time interval and the number of thumbnail images to be generated corresponding to the key codes are set in the work memory 122 with reference to the list stored in the work memory 122. In step S4, in order to generate a thumbnail image based on the start position, time interval, and number of sheets set in the work memory 122, the thumbnail image generation program 121d is called and the process ends.

  In step S5, it is confirmed whether the operation instruction includes a reproduction start position and a time interval. When the reproduction start position and the time interval are included, the process proceeds to step S6, and when not included, the process proceeds to step S8.

  In step S6, the designated reproduction start position included in the operation instruction is set in the work memory 122 as a start position for generating a thumbnail image. In step S7, the designated time interval and the number of sheets included in the operation instruction are set in the work memory 122, and the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S8, when there is no operation instruction and only a start instruction, a default value is set in the work memory 122 as a start position for generating a thumbnail image. In step S9, the default time interval and the number of sheets are set in the working memory 122, and the process proceeds to step S4.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing of the thumbnail image generation program 121d of the recording / playback apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. This process is started when called from the thumbnail image generation control program 121c. In step S10, a set number of thumbnail images are extracted from the start position set in the work memory 122 at a set time interval.

  In step S11, processing such as geometric conversion and linear interpolation is performed to generate a reduced image obtained by reducing the extracted still image. The process of reducing the image is performed by moving the X coordinate and Y coordinate of each pixel constituting the still image to a position multiplied by a predetermined magnification (reduction ratio). For example, when considering that the original pixel size is 256 × 256 and the size is reduced to 1/2 in both the vertical direction and the horizontal method, the pixel located at the X and Y coordinates (100, 50) is X, Move to Y coordinate (50, 25). The reduction process is performed by performing this process on all the pixels constituting the original still image.

  When this processing is performed, distortion may occur because the coordinate position after conversion does not correspond to the position of the integer value or multiple pixels correspond to the same pixel position due to an error. Linear interpolation processing may be performed on subsequent pixel values. The linear interpolation process uses, for example, a linear interpolation process in which each pixel value after conversion to be obtained is weighted according to the distance to four neighboring pixels among the pixels that have been reduced and moved.

  In step S12, a color reduction process is performed on the generated reduced image to reduce the data amount of the image. The color reduction processing is performed by approximating with a color close to the original color, or by combining another color to express a color close to the original color. For example, a method such as error diffusion method or dither method is used. To do. Note that the color reduction processing is for reducing the amount of data transmitted by communication, and is not necessarily performed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the set number of thumbnail images has been generated, but the playback position predicted to be requested next, for example, a predetermined range before and after the playback position of the last thumbnail image generated is generated. A thumbnail image is generated and stored in the work memory 122. When the thumbnail image is next called from the thumbnail image generation control program 121c, a thumbnail image to be generated according to an instruction set in the work memory 122 is generated. If already in the work memory 122, the thumbnail image stored in the work memory may be a newly generated thumbnail image. As a result, the next thumbnail image can be displayed more quickly.

  In addition, when the recording data at the position where the thumbnail image is generated is a CM (Commercial) portion, the thumbnail image is not created for the CM portion video, and after the CM portion has passed, the thumbnail image is continuously generated. It may be generated. As a means for identifying the CM portion, for example, there is a means for detecting that the stereo / monaural sound is switched.

  In addition, a character recognition program is stored in the program memory 121, and a video in a predetermined range before and after a position where a thumbnail image is generated is used to determine whether or not there are characters in the video. A thumbnail image may be preferentially generated for a video that is searched and includes an identifiable character such as a telop.

  Character search includes, for example, a characteristic that a telop is often white display, and further has a characteristic that a display position is almost determined. For the image of the displayed part, RGB ( Search for video that includes text by calculating the change in tone between videos using the three colors of red green blue and determining that a character has been detected when a predetermined threshold is exceeded. be able to. As a result, when it is difficult to grasp the contents only with the thumbnail image, the contents can be understood more.

  When generating a thumbnail image, audio for a predetermined time is stored as audio data in the work memory 122 from the video corresponding to the first thumbnail image, and transmitted to the terminal device 20 together with the thumbnail image. When displaying the thumbnail image, sound may be output from a sound output unit (not shown) such as a speaker or an earphone. Audio data has a smaller amount of information than video data, and when it is difficult to grasp the contents with only thumbnail images, the contents of the video can be understood with a small amount of data communication.

  Also, when generating thumbnail images, an index number that identifies each thumbnail image is generated, stored in the index data storage unit 123a in association with the thumbnail image, and when the thumbnail image is transmitted to the terminal device 20, This index number is also transmitted, and when the user specifies one thumbnail image on the display screen of the terminal device 20, the terminal device 20 transmits only the index number corresponding to this thumbnail image to the recording / playback device 10. Then, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 can grasp which thumbnail image is designated, and performs a predetermined process, for example, a process of reproducing a video from the reproduction position of the designated thumbnail image. Can do.

  As a result, it is possible to search for and search for a video to be reproduced next without stopping the video reproduced by the recording / reproducing apparatus 10.

  Also, the video played from the playback position of the designated thumbnail image may be transmitted to the terminal device 20 as video data compressed in MPEG2 format, for example, and the video may be played back by the terminal device 20. The video data can be transmitted by using a method called streaming, using a protocol such as RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol), and an RTP server program for the recording / playback device 10 and an RTP client program for the terminal device 20. These can be realized by storing them in the program memories 121 and 221 and executing them.

  This makes it possible to reduce the amount charged, especially when it is desired to play back video via communication means that are charged according to the amount of data communication. The video is suitable for a usage mode in which the amount of communication data is suppressed by a thumbnail image, and only a necessary part of the video is played back by a streaming method.

  Further, by generating a thumbnail image for the recording data created from the video broadcast from the broadcast station selected by the video recording control program 121a, the user can store the thumbnail image in the thumbnail image data storage unit 123c. By performing operations such as playback, fast forward, rewind, and slow on the stored thumbnail images, it is possible to view past videos of broadcasts that are currently selected and broadcast as thumbnail images.

  Further, the video recording control program 121a generates thumbnail images for recording data created from videos broadcast from a plurality of broadcasting stations, and stores the thumbnail images in the thumbnail image data storage unit 123c. A broadcast station can be selected by selecting and viewing past images of multiple broadcasts in near real time, and playback, fast-forward, and rewind can be performed on stored thumbnail images. By performing operations such as slowing down, it is possible to view past videos of broadcasts broadcast from a plurality of broadcast stations as thumbnail images.

  In order to record video from multiple broadcast stations, multiple tuners can be installed to create recording data in parallel, or multiple broadcast stations can be switched in a time-sharing manner using a single tuner. Recording data may be created. Thumbnail images are originally intermittent, and there is no particular problem in practical use even if the video of one broadcasting station is intermittent.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining still image extraction processing performed by the thumbnail image generation program 121d of the recording / playback apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. For example, MPEG2 (Moving The video data recorded in Picture Experts Group phase 2) is displayed in time series. MPEG2 is an encoding technique of a quality required by a broadcasting station, and is a key frame that can restore the original image without using the relationship with three types of frame images, that is, past and future frame images. It is composed of a called I picture, a P picture generated based on a relationship with a past I picture or P picture, and a B picture generated based on a relationship with preceding and succeeding I pictures or P pictures.

  When extracting a still image, if the frame image at the position to be extracted is an I picture, for example, an I picture 61, the frame image may be simply decoded and extracted. When the frame image at the position to be extracted is a P picture, for example, a P picture 64, it is necessary to decode based on the I picture 61, and the frame image at the position to be extracted is a B picture, for example, B picture In the case of the picture 62, it is necessary to decode based on the I picture 61 or the P picture 64.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a display example of thumbnail images and operations for the thumbnail images according to the embodiment of the present invention. Screens 80 to 84 show five display screens of the terminal device 20 displaying five thumbnail images.

  The screen 80 is a screen that is displayed first (first time) according to a reproduction instruction, and is five thumbnail images at a time interval of 1.0 from time t = 0.0 to time t = 4.0. Is displayed, and the time of each thumbnail image is displayed.

  When the user thinks that the target video is ahead and instructs the terminal device 20 to perform 10-times fast forward, the screen 81 is displayed and the time interval 10 from time t = 14.0 to time t = 54.0 is displayed. Five thumbnail images at time 0 are displayed. This is a thumbnail image generated at a time interval of 10.0 based on the time t = 4.0 of the last thumbnail image of the previous time.

  If the user thinks that the target image is near the time t = 44.0 and instructs the terminal device 20 to rewind at 3 × speed, the screen 82 is displayed, and the time t = 51.0 to the time t = 39. Five thumbnail images up to 0 at a time interval of 3.0 are displayed.

  When the user thinks that the target image is in the vicinity and instructs the reproduction from the terminal device 20, the screen 83 is displayed, and the time interval 1.0 from time t = 40.0 to time t = 44.0 is displayed. Five thumbnail images at the time of are displayed.

  Since there is no target image in this, when the user instructs to continue reproduction, the screen 84 is displayed, and the time 5 of the time interval 1.0 from time t = 45.0 to time t = 49.0 is displayed. One thumbnail image is displayed. The thumbnail image at time t = 46.0 (the thumbnail image displayed in gray) is the target image, and the user can see the scene he / she wanted to see.

  Since the target image can be reached by performing the above-described operation, that is, the display time can be operated back and forth with the operational feeling of the video equipment while freely changing the display time interval according to the user's intention. Compared to the above, thumbnail images can be displayed with a more natural operation feeling.

  In the above-described embodiment, that is, the image playback system 1 including the recording / playback apparatus 10 and the terminal device 20 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. A single device provided with the PVR function may be a device that can receive broadcasts and perform recording and playback.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image reproducing device 70 according to another embodiment of the present invention, and is composed of a single device. The image reproduction device 70 includes a central control unit 71, a storage unit 72, an instruction input unit 73, a video input unit 74, and a video output unit 75. The storage unit 72 includes a program memory 721 and a work memory 722. , And auxiliary storage memory 723.

  The central control unit 71 is a control unit that controls the entire image reproducing device 70, and is constituted by, for example, a CPU realized by a microcomputer, and stores various programs stored in a program memory 721 that is a memory for storing programs. Various processes are performed by executing and storing in work memory 722 which is a memory for temporarily storing information necessary for the process.

  In the program memory 721, the same program as the video recording control program 121a, video playback control program 121b, thumbnail image generation control program 121c, and thumbnail image generation program 121d stored in the program memory 121 of the recording / playback apparatus 10 The same program as the image display control program 221a stored in the program memory 221 of the terminal device 20 is stored.

  The auxiliary storage memory 723 for storing recording data and thumbnail images obtained by reducing still images obtained from the recording data uses a storage medium such as an internal HDD, but an external HDD, a detachable recording medium, For example, a storage device that can be written or read by loading a magnetic tape or the like may be connected and used. The data storage areas stored in the auxiliary storage memory 723 include an index data storage section 123a, a recording data storage section 123b, and a thumbnail image data storage section 123c, which are storage areas in the auxiliary storage memory 123 of the recording / playback apparatus 10. Have the same storage area.

  The instruction input unit 73 is an input unit for the user to perform an operation on the image reproduction device 70. For example, a button for inputting numbers or characters provided in a mobile phone, an operation button for turning on / off the power, and the like Alternatively, a keyboard or mouse such as a mobile PC is used.

  When the user gives a start instruction for starting display of thumbnail images and an operation instruction for instructing various operations from the instruction input unit 73, the instruction input unit 73 displays the input start instruction and operation instruction as a central control unit. 71 is notified.

  The central control unit 71 notified of the start instruction and the operation instruction generates a thumbnail image based on the recording data stored in the auxiliary storage memory 723 according to the operation instruction, and the generated thumbnail image is stored in the auxiliary storage memory 723. While being stored, it is displayed on a display screen of a video output unit 75 which is an output unit for displaying such as a liquid crystal display or a monitor.

  The user views the displayed thumbnail image and instructs the next operation instruction from the instruction input unit 73. The central control unit 71 instructed by the new operation instruction generates a thumbnail image in accordance with the new operation instruction from the reproduction position at which it is currently stopped, and replaces the generated thumbnail image with the first displayed thumbnail image. indicate. Thereafter, this operation is repeated until the user reaches the target video.

  The video input unit 74 is realized by an antenna or tuner for receiving a television broadcast, a video or audio input terminal, a part that performs A-D conversion, or the like. The video output unit 75 is a display unit for displaying a television broadcast video or a video obtained by reproducing recorded data. For example, a liquid crystal display or a monitor is used.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of the display screen of the image reproduction device 70 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10A displays a thumbnail image generated from the recorded data, and the video output unit 75 secures a thumbnail image display area 77 at the bottom of the display screen 76 when displaying the thumbnail image. The thumbnail images, for example, five thumbnail images 77a to 77e are displayed. In the background, a television broadcast may be displayed, another image or menu screen may be displayed, or thumbnail images may be enlarged and sequentially displayed.

  FIG. 10B is a display screen that displays thumbnail images of a plurality of broadcasting stations. When the thumbnail image is displayed, the video output unit 75 displays, for example, thumbnail images of three broadcasting stations on the display screen. Therefore, three thumbnail image display areas 77 to 79 are secured, and five thumbnail images are displayed respectively.

  When the user selects a displayed thumbnail image, the central control unit 71 selects a broadcast station of the selected thumbnail image or performs a predetermined operation from the playback position of the selected thumbnail image, for example, Then, operations such as playback of thumbnail images are performed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the thumbnail image is generated for the recorded data. However, the thumbnail image is composed of a plurality of still images, for example, the image data composed of a plurality of still images created from the recorded data. The present invention can also be applied when generating and displaying an image.

  Further, the thumbnail image is not limited to a still image at a specific time in the recorded data (specific reproduction position of the recorded data), but any position, for example, a range of positions, that is, a range of times. Thumbnail images may be generated and displayed for still images

It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the image reproduction system 1 which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the display screen of the video recording / reproducing system 1 which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the list of operation which can be instruct | indicated from the terminal device 20 in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the storage area of the program stored in the memory in one Embodiment of this invention, or stored data. It is a flowchart which shows the main processes of the thumbnail image production | generation control program 121c of the video recording / reproducing apparatus 10 in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the thumbnail image generation program 121d of the video recording / reproducing apparatus 10 in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the extraction process of the still image which the thumbnail image generation program 121d of the video recording / reproducing apparatus 10 in one Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a display of the thumbnail image in one Embodiment of this invention, and operation with respect to it. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the image reproduction apparatus 70 which is other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the display screen of the image reproduction apparatus 70 which is another form of implementation of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a display of the thumbnail image in one Example of the video recording apparatus by a 5th prior art, and operation with respect to it.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image reproduction system 10 Recording / reproducing apparatus 11, 21, 71 Central control part 12, 22, 72 Storage part 13, 23 Communication part 14, 24, 73 Instruction input part 15, 25, 75 Video output part 16, 74 Video input part 20 Terminal device 30 Monitor 31, 41, 76 Display screen 40 Remote control device 41a-41e, 77a-77e Thumbnail image 42a-42j Operation button 77-79 Thumbnail image display area 1211, 221, 721 Program memory 121a Video recording control program 121b Video Playback control program 121c Thumbnail image generation control program 121d Thumbnail image generation program 122, 222, 722 Work memory 123, 223, 723 Auxiliary storage memory 123a, 223a Index data storage unit 123b Recording data Storage unit 123c, 223b thumbnail image data storage unit 221a the video display control program

Claims (17)

In an image reproducing apparatus having a generating unit that generates a thumbnail image obtained by reducing a still image at an arbitrary position of image data, and a display unit that displays the thumbnail image generated by the generating unit.
A selection means for selecting a combination of a reproduction direction for reproducing the image data and a time interval of the generated thumbnail image from predetermined combinations;
The generating means generates a predetermined number of thumbnail images at a time interval of the selected combination in a playback direction of the selected combination from a current playback stop position of the image data. Image playback device.   2. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the combination includes a combination of a reproduction direction and a time interval corresponding to reproduction, fast forward, rewind, and slow in a video device. The image reproduction device includes a designation unit for designating a reproduction start position of image data and / or a time interval for generating a thumbnail image,
When the reproduction start position is designated, the generation means starts from the designated reproduction start position and / or when the time interval is designated, the thumbnail image at the designated time interval. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a predetermined number of images are generated. The image reproduction apparatus generates a thumbnail image generated based on a combination predicted by the generation unit to be selected next after the generation unit generates a thumbnail image based on the combination selected by the selection unit. Holding means for holding;
3. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays a thumbnail image held in the holding unit when the next selected combination is the same as the predicted combination. The image reproduction apparatus has a predetermined range before and after a reproduction start position where the generation unit is predicted to be designated after the generation unit generates a thumbnail image based on the combination selected by the selection unit. Holding means for holding thumbnail images generated for
When the thumbnail image generated from the reproduction start position designated next is in the thumbnail image held by the holding means, the display means designates the thumbnail image held by the holding means next. 4. The image reproduction apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image reproduction apparatus displays the thumbnail image generated from the reproduction start position. The image reproduction device has detection means for detecting whether the image data includes a CM video,
When the detection means detects the image data of the CM portion, the generation means does not generate a thumbnail image for the CM portion image data, but generates a thumbnail image for the image data subsequent to the CM portion. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image reproducing apparatus is generated. The image playback device has search means for searching whether character display is included in image data in a predetermined range before and after the current playback stop position of the image data,
The generation unit generates a thumbnail image from image data in a range including the searched character display when the search unit searches for a character display, and preferentially includes the generated thumbnail image in a predetermined number of images. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The image reproduction device includes an acquisition unit that acquires audio data for a predetermined time from a reproduction position of the first thumbnail image generated by the generation unit;
3. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an audio output unit that outputs audio data acquired by the acquisition unit when the display unit displays a thumbnail image. The image playback device includes a receiving unit configured to receive in parallel a plurality of video contents selected from video contents broadcast from a broadcasting station;
Creating means for creating image data in parallel from the received plurality of video contents,
The generation unit generates a thumbnail image based on the combination selected by the selection unit with respect to the image data of the video content selected from the created image data. 3. The image reproducing device according to 2. The image playback device includes a receiving unit that selects and receives one video content from video content broadcast from a plurality of broadcasting stations;
Creating means for creating received video content as image data;
The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit generates a thumbnail image based on the combination selected by the selection unit with respect to the generated image data. The receiving means sequentially selects and receives one video content from video content broadcast from a plurality of broadcasting stations at a predetermined time,
The recording means creates image data from sequentially received video content selected,
11. The generation unit generates a thumbnail image for image data of video content selected from the created image data based on the combination selected by the selection unit. Image playback device. The image reproduction device includes a storage unit that stores the generated thumbnail image in association with a broadcasting station that broadcasts the video content that is the basis of the generated thumbnail image,
The display means displays thumbnail images corresponding to a plurality of broadcast stations,
12. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the receiving unit selects a broadcasting station associated with the selected thumbnail image from the displayed thumbnail images. A recording / playback apparatus having a generating unit that generates a thumbnail image obtained by reducing a still image at an arbitrary position of image data, and a recording communication unit that transmits the generated thumbnail image;
In an image reproduction system configured to include a terminal communication unit that receives a thumbnail image transmitted from the recording / reproduction device and a terminal device that has a display unit that displays the received thumbnail image,
The terminal device includes a selection unit that selects a combination of a reproduction direction in which the image data is reproduced and a time interval of a generated thumbnail image from predetermined combinations,
The terminal communication means transmits information indicating the selected combination to the recording / playback apparatus,
The recording communication means receives information indicating the combination transmitted by the terminal communication means,
The generation unit of the recording / playback apparatus has predetermined thumbnail images of the time intervals of the combinations included in the received information in the playback direction of the combinations included in the received information from the current playback stop position of the image data. An image reproduction system characterized by generating a predetermined number of sheets. The recording / playback apparatus has specific information storage means for storing position specifying information for specifying a playback position in image data of a generated thumbnail image and thumbnail specifying information for specifying a thumbnail image together with the generated thumbnail image. And
The recording communication means transmits the thumbnail specifying information together with the thumbnail image when transmitting the thumbnail image,
The terminal communication means transmits thumbnail specifying information for specifying a thumbnail image selected from the transmitted thumbnail images to the recording / playback apparatus,
The recording / playback apparatus performs an operation associated with the predetermined operation from the start position of the thumbnail image, assuming that the predetermined operation of the recording / playback apparatus is performed based on the received thumbnail specifying information. An image reproduction system according to claim 13, The recording / playback apparatus has specific information storage means for storing position specifying information for specifying a playback position in image data of a generated thumbnail image and thumbnail specifying information for specifying a thumbnail image together with the generated thumbnail image. And
The recording communication means transmits the thumbnail specifying information together with the thumbnail image when transmitting the thumbnail image,
The terminal communication means transmits thumbnail specifying information for specifying a thumbnail image selected from the transmitted thumbnail images to the recording / playback apparatus,
The recording communication means transmits image data from the start position of the thumbnail image specified by the received thumbnail specifying information to the terminal device,
14. The image reproduction system according to claim 13, wherein the display means reproduces and displays the transmitted image data. The recording / playback apparatus includes a receiving unit that sequentially selects and receives one video content from video content broadcast from a plurality of broadcasting stations at a predetermined time;
Creating means for creating image data from the video content received by sequentially selecting;
Storing means for storing the created recorded image data together with broadcast station specifying information for specifying a broadcast station that broadcasts the video content on which the created recorded image data is based;
The generation means generates a thumbnail image based on the combination selected by the selection means for the created image data,
The recording communication means transmits the broadcast station specifying information together with the generated thumbnail image when transmitting the generated thumbnail image,
The display means of the terminal device sequentially displays thumbnail images for each broadcasting station specified by the broadcasting station specifying information,
The terminal communication means transmits the broadcast station specifying information indicating the broadcast station of the thumbnail image selected from the displayed thumbnail images to the recording / playback apparatus,
15. The image reproducing system according to claim 14, wherein the receiving means of the recording / reproducing apparatus selects a broadcasting station specified by the received broadcasting station specifying information. A communication means for receiving a thumbnail image transmitted from a recording / playback apparatus capable of generating a thumbnail image obtained by reducing a still image at an arbitrary position of image data;
In a terminal device having display means for displaying a received thumbnail image,
The terminal device includes a selection unit that selects a combination of a reproduction direction in which the image data is reproduced and a time interval of a generated thumbnail image from predetermined combinations,
The communication means can transmit the information indicating the selected combination to the recording / playback apparatus, thereby causing the recording / playback apparatus to generate a thumbnail image based on the combination included in the transmitted information. Characteristic terminal device.

Images