JP2007265362A - System, device and method for retrieving content reproduction list - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system, a device and a method for retrieving a content reproduction list by which a retrieval result with high user satisfaction is obtained by retrieving a content reproduction list stored in a central device based on content data and a content reproduction list, etc. stored in a reproduction terminal. <P>SOLUTION: When a retrieval request is received, the central device extracts the content reproduction list including predetermined ratio or more than the predetermined number of pieces of content data held by the reproduction terminal to be transmitted from the reproduction terminal (a step S203) and sorts the extracted content reproduction list in the ascending order of duplication between the content reproduction list held by the reproduction terminal and the content data (a step S207). Thus, the content reproduction list including the content data stored in the reproduction terminal and with low inclusion ratio is preferentially retrieved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to searching a content playback list from a central apparatus that stores a large amount of content playback lists in a content playback list search system, and in particular, content playback capable of obtaining a search result with high user satisfaction. The present invention relates to a list search system, a content play list search device used in the content play list search system, and a content play list search method capable of obtaining a search result with high user satisfaction.

  With the recent expansion of the network bandwidth and the increase in the capacity of storage media such as PCs (Personal Computers), portable audio devices, and mobile phones capable of playing music, the MP3 ( Purchase music and video data such as MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3), AAC (Advanced Audio Codec), MPEG (Moving Picture Expert Group), and download them to PCs, portable audio devices, mobile phones, etc. Content distribution systems that allow users to enjoy music or video are popular.

  In addition, in software for playing and managing music or video on a PC, a user selects content data based on his / her preference, artist, age, etc., and stores it as a content playback list (so-called playlist). It has a function of reproducing content data based on the stored content reproduction list.

  By the way, with the recent spread of music distribution systems, the amount of music or video content data stored on the server has become enormous, making it difficult to find favorite content data from the server.

  Therefore, the content playlist created by the user of the content distribution system is stored on the server and released to other users, so that users can introduce each other's own content data. A system that assists in the search of content data is used, in which popular content data can be known with a high access frequency of the content reproduction list.

Also, when a shared content playlist is placed in the shared server, the user selects a shared content playlist, and when viewing content data included in the selected content playlist, identification information for each content data is set. Based on the content playlist that is popular among users, users can make illegal copies by determining whether or not the user can acquire the content based on the content playlist that is popular among users. A technology that can be obtained and enjoyed by a personal computer is disclosed (Patent Document 1).
JP 2005-100612 A

  However, the increase in the number of users who use content playback list search in the content distribution system results in an enormous increase in the content playback list stored in the server as well as the content data itself, while content playback on the server of the conventional music distribution system Since the list can be searched only by genre, artist name, content playlist name, etc., a large amount of search results are eventually output, and a content playlist that suits the user's preference is selected from among them. It is difficult. In addition, since the content playlist name can be freely given by the user regardless of the content, it is difficult to select a content playlist name that includes the content preferred by the user.

  In addition, since the search of the content play list is performed independently of the content data information already possessed by the user, the content play list obtained as a result of the search does not match the user's preference. A search result with a low level of satisfaction for the user, such as being content that matches the user's preference but is largely duplicated with the content data already possessed.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has a configuration in which a content playback list stored in a central device is searched based on content data or a content playback list stored in a playback terminal device. Provides a content playback list search system, a content playback list search device, and a content playback list search method that can search for a content playback list that matches the user's preference and obtain a search result with a high level of user satisfaction. Objective.

  In addition, the present invention is configured to extract a content reproduction list including a predetermined number or a predetermined ratio of content data stored in the reproduction terminal device, so that the content meets the user's preference. It is an object of the present invention to provide a content reproduction list search system, a content reproduction list search device, and a content reproduction list search method capable of searching a reproduction list and obtaining a search result with high user satisfaction.

  In addition, the present invention extracts other users who have a predetermined number or more or a predetermined ratio of content data stored in the playback terminal device, and searches the content playback list held by the other users By adopting the resulting configuration, a content playlist including new content data that is a candidate for the next purchase that the user does not possess but is likely to like is searched, and the user satisfaction level is further improved. It is an object of the present invention to provide a content reproduction list search system, a content reproduction list search device, and a content reproduction list search method that can obtain high search results.

  Furthermore, by adopting a configuration in which a high priority is given to a content play list with a small content rate or a low rate of duplication between content data already owned by the user and the extracted content play list, A content playback list search system that preferentially searches for a content playback list that suits the user's preference and that is different from the content playback list that the user already has, and that can provide a search result with high user satisfaction. An object of the present invention is to provide a content reproduction list search device.

  In addition, the present invention is a content playback list that matches the user's preference and is searched for a content playback list that is popular among users, and a content playback list search system and a content playback list search that have high user satisfaction The purpose is to provide a device.

  Further, the present invention stores terminal identification information for identifying a reproduction terminal apparatus that has transmitted a content reproduction list, and the number of stored terminal identification information is smaller than the number of content reproduction lists stored in the central apparatus. The central device first extracts the terminal identification information of the reproduction terminal device that has the same content data as the content data stored in the reproduction terminal device, and associates it with the extracted terminal identification information. By searching for a content playback list that is currently in use, the content playback list that matches the user's preference is searched, and the search processing speed of the central device is increased, and the user is kept waiting during the search processing. It is an object of the present invention to provide a content reproduction list search system that can reduce stress on the content.

  A content reproduction list search system according to the present invention stores reproducible content data and a content reproduction list selected from the content data and reproduces the content data using the content reproduction list, A central device that stores a content playlist that can be acquired by the playback terminal device, and the central device receives a search request from the playback terminal device and searches the stored content playlist In the system, the playback terminal device includes means for transmitting to the central device terminal possession information including a retained content list that lists stored content data and a stored content playback list. And means for receiving the terminal possession information, The content reproduction list and a search unit to search on the basis of the received terminal held information, comprising: a means for transmitting a content reproduction list retrieved.

  In the content reproduction list search system according to the present invention, the search means stores content data listed in the retained content list included in the received terminal possession information from the stored content reproduction list. It is characterized by comprising means for extracting content reproduction lists that are included in a number equal to or greater than a predetermined number or a predetermined ratio.

  In the content playback list search system according to the present invention, the central device stores the terminal specifying information for specifying the playback terminal device, and the content included in the received terminal holding information in association with the terminal specifying information. Content stored in the retained content list included in the received terminal possession information from the stored retained content list. Means for extracting a retained content list in which data is included in a predetermined number or more, or a predetermined ratio or more, and means for extracting the terminal specifying information associated with the extracted retained content list, A content reproduction list associated with the extracted terminal identification information is used as a search result. And wherein the door.

  In the content reproduction list search system according to the present invention, the search means further includes a predetermined number or more, or a predetermined ratio or more, of the content data listed in the held content list included in the received terminal holding information. A means for extracting the content reproduction list included is provided.

  In the content playback list search system according to the present invention, the search means further includes the searched content playback list and the content playback list included in the received terminal possession information in the order of decreasing content data number or It is characterized in that priority is given in ascending order of overlapping ratio.

  In the content playlist search system according to the present invention, the playback terminal device includes means for storing the number of times of use of the stored content playlist, and means for transmitting the number of times of use to the central device. The apparatus includes means for storing the received number of uses in association with a content reproduction list, and the search means further assigns a priority to the searched content reproduction list in descending order of the number of uses. It is characterized by being.

  In the content reproduction list search system according to the present invention, the central device includes means for storing the number of times the stored content reproduction list is acquired by the reproduction terminal device in association with the content reproduction list, The search means is further characterized in that priorities are given to the searched content reproduction list in the descending order of the number of acquisition times.

  In the content reproduction list search system according to the present invention, the reproduction terminal device stores means for storing the number of times the stored content reproduction list is used, means for transmitting the stored number of times of use to the central device, and the central device Means for storing terminal specifying information for specifying the playback terminal device, means for storing a content reproduction list included in the received terminal holding information in association with the terminal specifying information, and the received number of uses In association with the content reproduction list, means for storing the number of times the stored content reproduction list is acquired by the reproduction terminal device in association with the content reproduction list, and association with the terminal identification information Based on the number of uses and / or the number of acquisitions further associated with each of a plurality of content playlists And a means for calculating a usage frequency for use and / or acquisition of the content reproduction list relating to the terminal identification information, and a means for storing the calculated usage frequency in association with the terminal identification information. Is further characterized in that priorities are given to the searched content reproduction list in the descending order of use frequency.

  In the content reproduction list search system according to the present invention, the reproduction terminal device stores means for storing the number of times the stored content reproduction list is used, means for transmitting the stored number of times of use to the central device, and the central device Means for storing the received number of times used in association with a content reproduction list, means for storing the number of times the stored content reproduction list is acquired by the reproduction terminal device in association with the content reproduction list, Based on the number of times of use and / or the number of times of acquisition further associated with each of a plurality of content playlists associated with the terminal identification information, the content playlist associated with the terminal identification information is used and / or Means for calculating the obtained usage frequency, and means for storing the calculated usage frequency in association with the terminal specifying information Wherein the retrieval means is further characterized in that a high said use frequency order to the found content playlists are as prioritizing.

  The content playback list search device according to the present invention comprises means for storing a content playback list that selects and lists playable content data, and means for transmitting the content playback list, and receives a search request from an external device. In the content playback list search device for searching the content playback list, means for receiving the stored content list that lists the content data held by the external device and the holding information including the content playback list held by the external device; The content reproduction list includes search means for searching based on the received possessed information, and means for transmitting the searched content play list.

  In the content playback list search device according to the present invention, the search means stores content data listed in the stored content list included in the received stored information from a stored content playback list. It is characterized by comprising means for extracting content reproduction lists that are included in a number or more than a predetermined ratio.

  The content reproduction list search device according to the present invention includes means for storing transmission source identification information for identifying a transmission source of the possessed information, and the content included in the received possession information in association with the transmission source identification information. A reproduction list and a means for storing the retained content list, wherein the search means includes content data included in the received retained information from a stored retained content list that is greater than or equal to a predetermined number or a predetermined amount. A means for extracting a retained content list that is included in a proportion or more; and a means for extracting transmission source identification information associated with the extracted retained content list, and is associated with the extracted transmission source identification information The content reproduction list is used as a search result.

  In the content reproduction list search device according to the present invention, the search means further includes a predetermined number or more or a predetermined ratio of content data listed in the held content list included in the received held information. The content reproduction list is provided with means for extracting.

  In the content playback list search device according to the present invention, the search means further includes the searched content playback list and the content playback list included in the received held information in the order of decreasing or overlapping content data. It is characterized in that priorities are given in ascending order of the ratio to be performed.

  The content reproduction list search device according to the present invention further comprises means for storing the number of transmissions of the content reproduction list in association with the stored content reproduction list, and the search means further includes a larger number of transmissions. It is characterized by prioritizing in order.

  A content reproduction list search method according to the present invention stores reproducible content data and content data list that is selected from the content data, stores the content reproduction list, and reproduces the content data using the content reproduction list, A central device that stores a content playlist that can be acquired by the playback terminal device, and the central device receives a search request from the playback terminal device and searches for the stored content playlist. In the method, the playback terminal device transmits to the central device terminal possession information including a retained content list that lists stored content data and a stored content playback list, and the central device transmits the terminal Receiving possession information and storing stored content playlist Searches based on signal the terminal held information, and transmits a content reproduction list retrieved.

  In the content playback list search method according to the present invention, the central device stores terminal specifying information for specifying the playback terminal device, and stores the content playback list and the stored content list included in the received terminal holding information, A search based on the terminal possession information is stored in association with the terminal identification information that identifies the playback terminal device, and the retained content list included in the received terminal possession information is stored in the stored content list. Extract a retained content list in which the content data listed is included in a predetermined number or more, or a predetermined ratio or more, and extract and extract the terminal identification information associated with the extracted retained content list The content reproduction list associated with the terminal identification information is used as a search result.

  In the content reproduction list search method according to the present invention, the search based on the terminal possession information is such that the content data listed in the retained content list included in the received terminal possession information is a predetermined number or more, It is characterized by extracting content reproduction lists that are included in a proportion or more.

  In the present invention, the central device and the content reproduction list search device can search the content reproduction list based on the content data and the content reproduction list stored in the reproduction terminal device that is the search request source.

  In the present invention, the central device and the content reproduction list search device can search for a content reproduction list including content data stored in the reproduction terminal device that is the search request source.

  In the present invention, the central device and the content playback list search device extract the playback terminal device that holds the content data stored in the playback terminal device that is the search request source, and hold it in the extracted playback terminal device It is possible to use the content reproduction list being used as a search result. It is also possible to search for a content playback list that does not include content data stored in the playback terminal device that has made the search request.

  In the present invention, the central device and the content reproduction search device first extract terminal identification information that is a transmission source smaller than the number of stored content reproduction lists, and associate the terminal identification information with the terminal identification information. The content reproduction list including the content data stored in the reproduction terminal device that has requested reproduction can be searched from the content reproduction list.

  According to the present invention, the central device and the content reproduction list search device can preferentially search for a content reproduction list with little overlap with content data already stored in the reproduction terminal device.

  In the present invention, the central device can search the content reproduction list frequently used in other reproduction terminal devices with priority.

  In the present invention, the central device and the content reproduction list search device can preferentially search the content reproduction list that is frequently acquired from other reproduction terminal devices.

  In the present invention, the central device and the content playback list search device are content playback lists including content data stored in the playback terminal device that has requested playback, and are stored in association with the playback terminal device. It is possible to store the number of times of use and / or the number of times of acquisition in each of the content reproduction lists, and to preferentially search for a frequently used content calculated based on the stored number of times of use and / or the number of times of acquisition.

  In the present invention, the central device and the content playback list search device are content playback lists that do not include content data stored in the playback terminal device that has requested playback, and are stored in association with the playback terminal device. It is possible to store the number of times of use and / or the number of times of acquisition in each of the content reproduction lists, and to preferentially search for a frequently used content calculated based on the stored number of times of use and / or the number of times of acquisition.

  According to the present invention, a content playlist that reflects content data possessed by the user is automatically created without searching for and entering a genre, artist name, content playlist name, or the like. Thus, a content reproduction list that suits the user's preference is searched, and a search result that is highly satisfactory for the user is obtained.

  According to the present invention, a content reproduction list that does not match the user's preference is not searched, and a search result that is highly satisfactory for the user is obtained.

  According to the present invention, a search result that is highly satisfying for the user can be obtained by searching the content reproduction list of the user who has similar taste to the user related to the search.

  According to the present invention, it is considered that the total number of source identification information stored is smaller than the total number of content playlists stored in the central device and the content playlist search device. The search processing speed of the content reproduction list search device is increased, and the user's stress can be reduced by being put on standby during the search process.

  According to the present invention, search is performed with priority given to content that has little overlap with content data already possessed by the user, so that the content reproduction list meets the user's preference and is already possessed. A content reproduction list different from the content reproduction list is preferentially searched, and a search result with higher satisfaction for the user is obtained.

  According to the present invention, a content reproduction list that matches a user's preference and that is frequently used by other users and that is popular among users is preferentially searched for the user. Furthermore, a search result with a high degree of satisfaction is obtained.

  According to the present invention, a content reproduction list suitable for a user's preference, which is downloaded from many other users and popular among users, is preferentially searched, and further to the user. Search results with high satisfaction can be obtained.

  According to the present invention, a content reproduction list that matches the user's preference, which is transmitted among the users who are popular among the users and stored in the central device, is searched, and the user is further satisfied. High-quality search results can be obtained.

  According to the present invention, although content data does not overlap with a user, content playback including content data that is popular among users and is likely to be liked by the user is a candidate for the next purchase. The present invention has an excellent effect that a list is searched, a search result that is more satisfactory for the user is obtained, and purchase of new content data by the user can be promoted.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a content reproduction list search system according to the present invention. The content reproduction list search system 100 includes a central device 1, a plurality of reproduction terminal devices 2, 2,... And a packet switching network 3 such as the Internet that connects the central device 1 and the reproduction devices 2, 2,. The

  The central device 1 stores content data 4, 4,... And content reproduction lists 5, 5,... And can transmit the content data 4 and the content reproduction list 5 to the reproduction terminal device 2 via the packet switching network 3. It is. Also, the playback terminal device 2 stores content data 4, 4,... And content playback lists 5, 5,..., And the playback terminal device 2 stores the stored content playback list 5 in the packet switching network 3. Can be transmitted to the central device 1. Further, the playback terminal device 2 can transmit information serving as a search condition, which will be described in the following embodiment, to the central device 1 via the packet switching network 3. The central device 1 receives the information that is the search condition, performs a search based on the information, and transmits the content playback list 5 as a search result to the playback terminal device 2, thereby realizing the content playback list search system 100. is doing. Hereinafter, for the sake of clarity, the content data 4 stored in the central device 1 is indicated by 41, the content reproduction list 5 is indicated by 51, the content data 4 stored in the reproduction terminal device 2 is indicated by 42, and the content reproduction list. 5 is indicated by 52.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the central device 1 and the playback terminal device 2 according to the first embodiment. The central device 1 is a server-type PC (Personal Computer). The central device 1 stores at least various information such as a CPU 11 that performs various controls, an internal bus 12 that connects various hardware, content data 41, 41,..., Content reproduction lists 51, 51,. 13, a temporary storage area 14 for storing information temporarily generated in the course of arithmetic processing of the CPU 11, and a communication unit 15 connected to the packet switching network 3.

  The storage unit 13 stores a computer program for the central device 1 to operate as the central device of the content reproduction list search system according to the present invention by being read and executed by the CPU 11. In the storage unit 13, content data 41, 41,... And content reproduction lists 51, 51,. The CPU 11 is connected to the packet switching network 3 via the communication unit 15 and communicates with the reproduction terminal devices 2, 2,.

  The reproduction terminal device 2 is a PC, and at least various information such as a CPU 21 that performs various controls, an internal bus 22 that connects various hardware, content data 42, 42,..., Content reproduction lists 52, 52,. A storage unit 23 for storing, a temporary storage area 24 for storing information temporarily generated in the course of arithmetic processing of the CPU 21, an operation unit 25 having a keyboard and a mouse, a display unit 26 having a monitor, and content data A playback unit 27 for playing back 42 as audio and video, an output unit 28 that outputs audio and video of content data 42 with a speaker or the like, and a communication unit 29 connected to the packet switching network 3.

  The storage unit 23 stores a computer program for the playback terminal apparatus 2 to operate as the playback terminal apparatus of the content playback list search system according to the present invention by the CPU 21 reading and executing. Further, the CPU 21 reads the content data 42 from the storage unit 23, decodes it by the reproduction unit 27, outputs the D / A converted data to the speaker via the output unit 28, and outputs the video to the monitor of the display unit 26. Is output.

  FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of the contents of the content reproduction list 52. The content reproduction list 52 is data obtained by selecting stored content data 42 and making a list. The content data 42 is MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3), AAC (Advanced Audio Codec), and MPEG (Moving Picture Expert Group) data, which are distinguished by extensions of MP3, AAC, and MPG, respectively. The content reproduction list 52 is metadata representing the location and data format in the storage unit 23 of the selected content data 42 in the order of the list. When the content playback list 52 is selected by the user of the playback terminal device 2 and a playback operation is performed, the CPU 21 reads the content data 42 from the storage unit 23 in the order listed in the content playback list 52, and the content data 42. In accordance with the format, the playback unit 27 decodes and plays back.

  For example, the user of the playback terminal device 2 selects and stores the particularly favorite content data 42 from the large amount of content data 42 possessed in the content playback list 52 named “Best 50”. Therefore, it is not necessary to select the favorite content data 42 for each subsequent reproduction. In particular, if you want to listen to the content data 42 that you like, select the content playback list 52 of “Best 50” and execute playback as one content data, so that the content associated with “Best 50” The data 42 can be heard together.

  In addition, A1. MP3 is selected and stored for any of the content reproduction lists 52 that are particularly cared and are named “best 50” and “optimum for drive” as being optimal for the drive. As a result, even if playback is executed using any of the content playback lists 52 of “best 50” and “optimum for driving”, A1. MP3 can be heard. Video data can also be associated with the content playback list 52, and the content playback list 52 named “live video clip” has M1. It is also possible to select content data 42 which is MPEG data such as MPG and reproduce only live video. Furthermore, attribute information such as the artist name, storage date and time, and the number of reproductions of the content data 42 may be stored, and the content reproduction list 52 may be automatically created from the attribute information.

  Next, processing in which the content reproduction list search system 100 executes a search in the central device 1 in response to a request from the reproduction terminal device 2, and the central device 1 transmits the content reproduction list 51 to the reproduction terminal device 2 that is the search request source. To do. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in which the playback terminal device 2 according to the first embodiment makes a search request for the content playback list 51 to the central device 1 and receives the content playback list 51 from the central device 1. CPU21 judges whether search start operation was performed by the user via the operation part 25 (step S11). When the search start operation is not performed (S11: NO), the process waits until the search start operation is performed.

  When the search start operation is performed (S11: YES), the CPU 21 notifies the central device 1 of a search request (step S12), and transmits / receives the central device 1 with the content reproduction list 51 or terminal holding information. It is determined whether or not communication is established (step S13). If communication is not established (S13: NO), the process waits until communication is established. When communication is established (S13: YES), the CPU 21 lists the content data 42, 42,... Stored in the storage unit 23 and the content reproduction list stored in the storage unit 23. Terminal holding information including 52 is transmitted to the central apparatus 1 via the communication unit 29 (step S14), and it is determined whether or not a search result has been received via the communication unit 29 (step S15). When the search result is not received (S15: NO), the central device 1 is in the process of searching and waits until the search result is received.

  When the search process is completed in the central device 1 and the search result is received via the communication unit 29 (S15: YES), the CPU 21 displays the search result on the display unit 26 (step S16). The CPU 21 determines whether or not the content reproduction list 51 has been selected by the user from the search result displayed on the display unit 26 (step S17), and detects the selected content reproduction list 51. . If the content reproduction list 51 is not selected (S17: NO), the process waits until it is selected. When the content reproduction list 51 is selected (S17: YES), the CPU 21 requests the central apparatus 1 to transmit the selected content reproduction list 51 (step S18), and receives the corresponding content reproduction list 51. It is judged whether it received (step S19), and when not receiving (S19: NO), it waits until it receives. If the content reproduction list 51 is received (S19: YES), the process is terminated. If the search result indicates that there is no corresponding content reproduction list 51, the search result is displayed and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in which the central apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment searches for a search request from the playback terminal apparatus 2 and transmits the content playback list 51. The following processing of the CPU 11 of the central device 1 corresponds to the request related to the processing (see FIG. 4) of the playback terminal device 2 described above.

  The CPU 11 determines whether a search request has been received from the playback terminal device 2 (step S21). If no search request is received (S21: NO), the process waits until a search request is received. When receiving a search request from the playback terminal device 2 (S21: YES), the CPU 11 establishes communication with the playback terminal device 2 for transmission / reception of the content playback list 51 or terminal holding information (step S22). A request is made to transmit the terminal possession information to the playback terminal device 2 (step S23). It is determined whether or not the terminal possession information has been received from the playback terminal device 2 (step S24). If the terminal possession information is not received (S24: NO), the process waits until it is received. CPU11 performs a search process, when terminal holding information is received from the reproduction | regeneration terminal device 2 (S24: YES) (step S25).

  When the CPU 11 finishes the search process, it transmits a search result (step S26), determines whether a transmission request for the content reproduction list 51 has been received from the reproduction terminal device 2 (step S27), and if no transmission request is received (step S27). S27: NO), waiting until a transmission request is received. When a transmission request for the content reproduction list 51 is received (S27: YES), the corresponding content reproduction list 51 is transmitted (step S28), and communication for exchanging data with the reproduction terminal device 2 is released (step S28). S29), the process ends. If the result of the search process is that there is no corresponding content reproduction list 51, after transmitting the search result, communication with the reproduction terminal device 2 is released and the process ends.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in which the central apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment performs a search process. The CPU 11 that has received the terminal possession information in step S24 reads the possessed content list and the content reproduction list 52 that list the content data 42 stored in the reproduction terminal device 2 from the terminal possession information (step S201). Next, the content reproduction list 51 stored in the central device 1 is read from the storage unit 13 (step S202), and content included in the owned content list among the content data 41, 41,. It is determined whether or not the content data 41 that matches any of the data 42, 42,... Occupies 50% or more of the content reproduction list 51 (step S203). When 50% or more of the content play list 51 matches the content data 42 (S203: YES), the content play list 51 is stored in the temporary storage area 14 (step S204), and is less than 50%. (S203: NO), it proceeds to the next without saving.

  Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the entire content reproduction list 51 has been read (step S205). If the entire content reproduction list 51 has not been read (S205: NO), the CPU 11 returns the process to step S202 and performs the process for the next content reproduction list 51. When the entire content reproduction list 51 has been read (S205: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the content reproduction list 51 is stored in the temporary storage area 14 (step S206), and when not stored (S206). : NO), since there is no corresponding content reproduction list 51, the search process is terminated as it is.

  When the content reproduction list 51 is stored in the temporary storage area 14 (S206: YES), the content reproduction list 52 and the content reproduction data 41 (42) included in the terminal holding information are in ascending order of the ratio. The content reproduction list 51 is sorted (step S207), and the search process is terminated.

  Through the above process, the content data 42 stored in the playback terminal device 2, that is, the content playback list 51 including the content data 42 already possessed by the user, and the content playback list 52 possessed by the user. The content reproduction list 51 different from the above is searched, and the user of the content reproduction list search system 100 obtains high satisfaction with the search result. When the user likes the content reproduction list 51 as a search result, the user acquires or purchases the new content data 41 included in the content reproduction list 51. Therefore, depending on the central apparatus 1 according to the present invention that can obtain a search result with a high degree of user satisfaction, the user can be encouraged to purchase new content data 41.

  In the first embodiment, in step S203, it is assumed that the content reproduction list 51 in which the content data 42 listed in the possessed content list included in the received terminal possession information occupies 50% or more is stored. However, the determination is not limited to this, and the determination may be made by using a different ratio as a condition or by using the number of matching content data 41 (42) as a condition.

  In the first embodiment, the content reproduction list 51 extracted by repeating steps S203 and S204 is sorted in the order of decreasing ratio of the received content reproduction list 52 and content data 41 in step S207. In S207, the number of content reproduction lists 51 to be searched may be reduced by narrowing down to the content reproduction list 51 whose duplication ratio is 30% or less. Likewise, the content reproduction list 51 may be narrowed down to the content reproduction list 51 having 10 or less overlapping content data 41.

(Embodiment 2)
In the second embodiment, the content playback list 51 stored in the central device 1 is transmitted to the central device 1 by the user of the playback terminal device 2 operating the playback terminal device 2 to store the stored content playback list 52. The content playback list 52 registered by the user is stored in the central device 1. In this case, the central device 1 stores terminal specifying information for specifying the playback terminal device 2 that has transmitted the content playback list 52.

  Since the configuration of the content reproduction list search system 100 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted, and the operations of the central device 1 and the reproduction terminal device 2 will be described below with the same reference numerals. In the second embodiment, the central device 1 acquires the terminal specification information of the reproduction terminal device 2 that has transmitted the content reproduction list 52 to the central device 1 and the stored content reproduction list 51 to the reproduction terminal devices 2, 2,. The acquired number of times and the number of times the acquired content reproduction list 51 is used in the reproduction terminal devices 2, 2,... The number of times of use is stored in each reproduction terminal device 2 and transmitted to the central device 1. In the search, the search is performed based on the stored terminal identification information, the number of times of acquisition, and the number of times of use.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating various information stored in the central device 1 according to the second embodiment. The CPU 11 of the central device 1 stores the content reproduction list 52 (51) in the storage unit 13 for each terminal specifying information of the reproduction terminal device 2 that has transmitted the content reproduction list 52. The number of times the content reproduction list 51 is acquired from another reproduction terminal device 2 and the total number of times used by the reproduction terminal device 2 are stored. Further, the average value of the total number of times the content reproduction list 51 associated with the terminal identification information is used is stored as the usage frequency.

  The total number of times of use for each content playback list 51 stored in the central device 1 is the content playback list 51 in addition to the number of times used until the playback terminal device 2 that has transmitted the content playback list 51 transmits it. .., Which has been acquired, stores the number of times the content reproduction list 51 (52) has been used and is transmitted to the central apparatus 1. In addition to the usage count, the playback terminal devices 2, 2,... Store the increase in the usage count, and initialize it to 0 each time the usage count increase is transmitted to the central device. Count the increase in usage count. The stored increase in use count is transmitted to the central device, and the increase in use count is initialized to 0 again. The central device 1 receives and accumulates the increase in the number of uses received from the playback terminal devices 2, 2,.

  The content playback list 51 received and stored by the central device 1 from the playback terminal device 2 used by the user B is “movie soundtrack”, “best hit”, and “drama theme song”. Yes, the “movie soundtrack” is acquired 121 times by the playback terminal devices 2, 2,... Connected to the central device 1, and the increase in the number of uses received from the playback terminal devices 2, 2,. The total number of uses is 2121 times. The “best hit” is acquired 660 times, the total number of uses is 16215 times, the “drama theme song” is acquired 382 times, and the total number of uses is 5121 times. The usage frequency is 7819, which is an average value of the total number of times the three content reproduction lists 51 are used. Similarly, there are “80s”, “90s”, and “70s” received from the playback terminal device 2 used by the user C, and the acquisition times are 23 times, 10 times, 39 times, the total number of uses is 825 times, 221 times, and 683 times, and the usage frequency is 576. There are “recommendation 1” and “recommendation 2” received and stored from the playback terminal device 2 used by the user D. The acquisition count is 2 times and 0 times, respectively, and the total use count is 51 times. It is 21 times and the usage frequency is 36.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in which the playback terminal device 2 according to the second embodiment transmits the content playback list 52 to the central device 1. The CPU 21 determines whether or not the user has performed an operation to start transmission of the content reproduction list 52 via the operation unit 25 (step S31). When the transmission start operation is not performed (S31: NO), the process waits until the transmission start operation is performed.

  When the transmission start operation is performed (S31: YES), the CPU 21 notifies the central device 1 of the start of transmission (step S32), and transmission / reception of the central device 1 and the content reproduction list 52 or the stored use count L or the like. It is determined whether or not communication is established (step S33). If communication is not established (S33: NO), the process waits until communication is established. When the communication is established (S33: YES), the CPU 21 transmits to the central apparatus 1 the content reproduction list 52 related to the transmission operation stored in the storage unit 23 and the number of times L used so far (step 33). S34).

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in which the central apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment receives and stores the content reproduction list 52 from the reproduction terminal apparatus 2. The CPU 11 determines whether or not a transmission start notification is received from the playback terminal device 2 (step S401). If no transmission start notification is received (S401: NO), the process waits until a transmission start notification is received.

  When the CPU 11 receives a transmission start notification from the playback terminal device 2 (S401: YES), the CPU 11 establishes communication with the playback terminal device 2 for transmission / reception of the content playback list 52 and the number of times of use L (step S402). Then, it is determined whether or not the reproduction terminal device 2 that has notified the transmission start notification is the reproduction terminal device 2 related to the terminal identification information already stored in the central device 1 (step S403). If the playback terminal device 2 is not already stored (S403: NO), the terminal specifying information about the playback terminal device 2 is stored (step S404). If the playback terminal device 2 is already stored (step S404), S403: YES), it is determined whether or not the content reproduction list 52 has been received (step S405). If the content reproduction list 52 is not received (S405: NO), the process waits until it is received.

  When receiving the content reproduction list 52 (S405: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the content reproduction list 52 is the same as the content reproduction list 51 already stored in the central device 1 (step S406). . When the content reproduction list 51 is not the same as the stored content reproduction list 51 (S406: NO), the content reproduction list 52 is stored (step S407), the received use count L is substituted into the total use count J, and the acquisition count K Both are stored by substituting 0 for (step S408), and the process proceeds to the next. If it is the same as the content reproduction list 51 that has already been stored (S406: YES), the usage count L is added to the total usage count J related to the content playback list 51 as an increase in the usage count and stored (step S409). ).

  Next, the CPU 11 calculates and stores the usage frequency associated with the terminal identification information based on the updated total use count J (step S410), and releases communication with the playback terminal device 2 (step S410). S411), the process ends. As described above, the content playback list 52 received from the playback terminal device 2 is stored in association with the terminal identification information, and the total use count and acquisition count are stored in association with the content playback list 52 for use. The frequency is stored in association with the terminal identification information.

  Next, when the content reproduction list 52 (51) received and stored by the central device 1 from the reproduction terminal device 2 is acquired and used by another reproduction terminal device 2, the number of uses is stored. Processing for transmitting to the central device 1 and updating the total usage count of each content reproduction list 51 by using the received usage count will be described with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 10 described below. The reproduction terminal device 2 used by the user A shown in FIG. 7 is the content reproduction list 51 “drama theme song” associated with the terminal identification information related to the reproduction terminal device 2 used by the user B from the central device 1. To get and use.

  FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of the content reproduction list 52 stored in the reproduction terminal device 2 according to the second embodiment. The reproduction terminal device 2 stores the number of times of reproduction for each of the stored content data 42, and further stores the number of times of use of the content reproduction list 52. In the reproduction terminal device 2 used by the user A, for example, A1. MP3 has been played 201 times and the content data 42A1. The content reproduction list 52 “best 50” including MP3 has been used 153 times. The content reproduction list 52 “drama theme song” acquired from the central apparatus 1 has been used 17 times. When the number of times of use was transmitted to the central device 1 last time, since it was used once after acquisition, the number of times of use 1 is transmitted. The number of uses is 17, and the increase in the number of uses is 16. Therefore, when the use frequency increment is transmitted next, 16 is transmitted as the use frequency increase.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in which the playback terminal device 2 according to Embodiment 2 transmits the number of times the content playback list 52 is used. The CPU 21 determines whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed, such as whether or not one week has passed since the previous increase in the number of uses, or whether or not the total activation time has increased by 20 hours (step S51). . If the predetermined period has not elapsed (S51: NO), it waits until the predetermined period elapses.

  When the predetermined period has elapsed (S51: YES), the CPU 21 notifies the central device 1 of the update of the number of times of use (step S52), and communication for transmitting / receiving the increment L of the number of times of use with the central device 1 is established. If communication is not established (S53: NO), the process waits until communication is established. When communication is established (S53: YES), the CPU 21 transmits an increase L in the number of use times to the central apparatus 1 for the content reproduction list 52 acquired from the central apparatus 1 (step S54). It is determined whether or not the usage increase L is transmitted for all the content reproduction lists 52 acquired from the central apparatus 1 (step S55). (S55: NO), the CPU 21 returns the process to step S54. If the usage count increase L is transmitted for all the content reproduction lists 52 (S55: YES), the process is terminated. When the playback terminal device 2 used by the user A transmits the content playback list 52 to the central device 1 and is stored in the central device 1, as shown in FIG. Is included in the determination target of step S55, and the increase L in use count of the content reproduction list 52 is transmitted.

  In the case of the example shown in FIG. 7, the playback terminal device 2 used by the user A transmits the usage count increment 16 to the central device 1 for the content playback list 52 “drama theme song”.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in which the central apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment receives an increase in the number of times of use of the content reproduction list 52 (51) from the playback terminal apparatus 2 and updates the number of times of use. The CPU 11 determines whether or not a usage count update notification has been received from the playback terminal device 2 (step S61). If the use count update notification is not received (S61: NO), the process waits until the use count update notification is received. When the usage frequency update notification is received from the playback terminal device 2 (S61: YES), communication for transmitting / receiving the usage frequency increase L to / from the playback terminal device 2 is established (step S62). It is determined whether it has been received (step S63). When the usage increment L is not received (S63: NO), the system waits until it is received.

  When the usage frequency increase L is received (S63: YES), the content reproduction list 51 related to the usage frequency increase L is specified (step S64), and the total usage frequency J associated with the content reproduction list 51 is determined. Is added, and the increase L in use count is added and stored (step S65). The CPU 11 identifies the terminal specifying information associated with the content reproduction list 51, and in addition to the total use count J of the content reproduction list 51, all of the content reproduction lists 51 associated with the terminal identification information. The total use count J is read out, the average value is taken as the use frequency, and the use frequency is stored (step S66).

  Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not all the usage count increases have been received from the playback terminal device 2 (step S67). If not all have been received (S67: NO), the process returns to step S63. If all have been received (S67: YES), communication with the playback terminal device 2 is released (step S68), and the process is terminated.

  In the case of the example illustrated in FIG. 7, when the usage count increment 16 is received for the content reproduction list 51 “drama theme song” from the reproduction terminal device 2 used by the user A (S63), the CPU 11 displays the content reproduction list 51 “ The “drama theme song” is specified (S64), and 16 is added to the total number of uses 5121 to obtain 5137 (S65). The content reproduction list 51 “drama theme song” is associated with the reproduction terminal device 2 used by the user B, and the CPU 11 performs the content reproduction list 51 “movie” associated with the reproduction terminal device 2 used by the user B. The total number of uses of “soundtrack”, “best hit”, and “drama theme song” is read out and the average value is taken as the usage frequency (S66). The result use frequency is an average value 7824 of 2121, 16215, and 5137.

  Next, in Embodiment 2, the process in which the central apparatus 1 performs a search based on the terminal identification information, the number of uses, and the use frequency stored as described above will be described. The procedure in which the playback terminal device 2 makes a search request for the content playback list 51 to the central device 1 and acquires the content playback list 51 from the central device 1 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in which the central apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment searches in response to a search request from the playback terminal apparatus 2 and transmits the content playback list 51.

  When the CPU 11 receives a search request from the playback terminal device 2 (S701: YES), the CPU 11 establishes communication with the playback terminal device 2 for transmission / reception of the content playback list 51 or terminal holding information (step S702). A request is made to transmit the terminal possession information to the playback terminal device 2 (step S703). It is determined whether or not the terminal possession information has been received from the playback terminal device 2 (step S704). If the terminal possession information is not received (S704: NO), the process waits until it is received. When the CPU 11 receives the terminal possession information from the playback terminal device 2 (S704: YES), the CPU 11 performs a search process (step S705).

  When the search process is completed, the CPU 11 transmits the search result (step S706), determines whether or not a transmission request for the content reproduction list 51 has been received from the reproduction terminal device 2 (step S707), and if no transmission request is received (step S707). S707: NO), and waits until a transmission request is received. When a transmission request for the content reproduction list 51 is received (S707: YES), the content reproduction list 51 is transmitted (step S708), the number K of acquisitions of the content reproduction list 51 is read, 1 is added, and stored. (Step S709). Communication for exchanging data with the playback terminal device 2 is released (step S710), and the process is terminated. If the result of the search process is that there is no corresponding content reproduction list 51, after transmitting the search result, communication with the reproduction terminal device 2 is released and the process is terminated.

  14 and 15 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure in which the central apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment performs a search process. The CPU 11 that has received the terminal possession information in step S704 reads the possessed content list and the content reproduction list 52 that list the content data 42 stored in the reproduction terminal device 2 from the terminal possession information (step S801). Next, the content reproduction list 51 stored in the central device 1 is read from the storage unit 13 (step S802), and the content data 41, 41,... It is determined whether or not the content data 41 that matches any of the data 42, 42,... Occupies 50% or more of the content reproduction list 51 (step S803). When 50% or more of the content reproduction list 51 matches the content data 42 (S803: YES), the content reproduction list 51 is stored in the temporary storage area 14 (step S804), and is less than 50% (S803: NO), proceed to the next without saving.

  Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the entire content reproduction list 51 has been read (step S805). If the entire content reproduction list 51 has not been read (S805: NO), the CPU 11 returns the process to step S802 and performs the process for the next content reproduction list 51. When the entire content reproduction list 51 has been read (S805: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the content reproduction list 51 is stored in the temporary storage area 14 (step S806), and when not stored (S806). : NO), since there is no corresponding content reproduction list 51, the search process is terminated.

  When the content reproduction list 51 is stored in the temporary storage area 14 (S806: YES), the content reproduction list 52 and the content reproduction data 41 included in the terminal possession information have a small overlapping ratio of 10% or less. The content reproduction list 51 is narrowed down to those (step S807). The CPU 11 extracts terminal identification information associated with the narrowed content reproduction list 51 (step S808), and reads out the usage frequency of the terminal identification information (step S809). The CPU 11 sorts the content playback list 51 narrowed down in step S807 in descending order of usage frequency read in step S809 (step S810), and the content playback list 51 having the same usage frequency is stored for each content playback list 51. The used number of times and the acquired number of times are read out (step S811), the read number of times of use or the number of times of acquisition is sorted (step S812), and the process ends.

  Through the above processing, the user is the content reproduction list 51 including the content data 42 possessed by the user, and is different from the content reproduction list 52 possessed by the user, Furthermore, a popular item can be obtained from other users, the user can obtain a high degree of satisfaction with the search result, and the user purchases the content reproduction list 51 to purchase new content data 41. Can be promoted.

  In the second embodiment, after the terminal identification information is extracted, the content playback list is sorted in the descending order of usage frequency, and then the content playback list having the same usage frequency is sorted again in the order of the most frequently used or acquired content playback list. However, any order is acceptable. In addition, for example, a result sorted in the order of frequency of use may be used as a search result, or the content playback list may be sorted only in the order of the most frequently used content without sorting in order of frequency of use. Good. Alternatively, the content reproduction list may be sorted only in the order of the number of acquisitions of the content reproduction list.

  In Embodiment 2 described above, the number of times of use was transmitted from the playback terminal device 2, but this may be transmitted as information on the frequency of playback divided by the period from the date when the number of times of use is acquired, Either of them may be transmitted.

(Embodiment 3)
In the third embodiment, the processing is performed after the terminal specifying information is extracted based on the owned content list included in the terminal owned information. In addition, an example will be described in which the central device 1 stores a retained content list that lists content data stored in the playback terminal device in association with the terminal identification information and uses it for search.

  The configuration of the content reproduction list search system 100 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment and will not be described. Hereinafter, the operations of the central device 1 and the reproduction terminal device 2 will be described using the same reference numerals. In the third embodiment, the central device 1 stores a retained content list that lists content data stored in the playback terminal device 2 in association with terminal specifying information. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating various pieces of information stored in the central device 1 according to the third embodiment. The CPU 11 of the central device 1 stores the content reproduction list 52 (51) in the storage unit 13 for each reproduction terminal device specifying information of the reproduction terminal device 2 that has transmitted the content reproduction list 52. Furthermore, the possessed content list in which the content data stored in the reproduction terminal device 2 is listed is stored in association with the terminal specifying information. The number of times the content reproduction list 51 is acquired from another reproduction terminal device 2 and the total number of times used by the reproduction terminal device 2 are stored. Further, the average value of the total number of times the content reproduction list 51 associated with the terminal identification information is used is stored as the usage frequency. In the following, for the sake of clarity, the owned content list stored in the central device 1 is indicated by the owned content list A, and the retained content list included in the terminal possessed information transmitted from the playback terminal device 2 is indicated by the retained content list B.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in which the playback terminal device 2 according to Embodiment 3 transmits the content playback list 52 to the central device 1. The CPU 21 determines whether or not the user has performed a transmission start operation for the content reproduction list 52 via the operation unit 25 (step S91). When the transmission start operation is not performed (S91: NO), the process waits until the transmission start operation is performed.

  When the transmission start operation is performed (S91: YES), the CPU 21 notifies the central device 1 of the transmission start (step S92), and transmits / receives the central device 1 with the content reproduction list 52, the owned content list, and the like. It is determined whether or not communication has been established (step S93). If communication is not established (S93: NO), the process waits until communication is established. When the communication is established (S93: YES), the CPU 21 transmits the retained content list B that lists the content data stored in the storage unit 23 to the central apparatus 1 (step S94), and performs a transmission start operation. The content reproduction list 52 is transmitted to the central apparatus 1 (step S95), and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in which the central apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 3 receives and stores the content reproduction list 52 from the reproduction terminal apparatus 2. The CPU 11 determines whether or not a transmission start notification has been received from the reproduction terminal device 2 (step S101). If no transmission start notification is received (S101: NO), the process waits until a transmission start notification is received.

  When the CPU 11 receives a transmission start notification from the playback terminal device 2 (S101: YES), the CPU 11 establishes communication for transmitting / receiving the content playback list 52, the owned content list B, etc. with the playback terminal device 2 (step S102). ), It is determined whether or not the reproduction terminal device 2 that has notified the transmission start notification is the reproduction terminal device 2 related to the terminal specifying information already stored in the central device 1 (step S103). If the playback terminal device 2 is not already stored (S103: NO), the terminal specifying information about the playback terminal device 2 is stored (step S104). If the playback terminal device 2 is already stored (step S104), S103: YES), it is determined whether or not the owned content list B has been received (step S105). When the owned content list B is not received (S105: NO), the process waits until it is received. When the retained content list B is received (S105: YES), the retained content list B is stored (step S106). When the playback terminal device 2 is already stored (S103: YES), the previously stored stored content list A is updated to the received stored content list B and stored.

  The CPU 11 determines whether or not the content reproduction list 52 has been received (step S107). If not received (S107: NO), the CPU 11 stands by until it is received. When receiving the content reproduction list 52 (S107: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the content reproduction list 51 is the same as the already stored content reproduction list 51 (step S108). If it is not the stored content reproduction list 51 (S108: NO), the received content reproduction list 52 is stored (step S109), communication with the reproduction terminal device 2 is released (step S110), and the process is terminated. . If it is the stored content reproduction list 51 (S108: YES), communication with the reproduction terminal device 2 is released without storing (S110), and the process is terminated.

  Next, in Embodiment 3, the process in which the central apparatus 1 performs a search based on the retained content list A stored in association with the terminal identification information as described above will be described. The procedure in which the playback terminal device 2 makes a search request for the content playback list 51 to the central device 1 and acquires the content playback list 51 from the central device 1 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. The processing for the central device 1 to search in response to a search request from the playback terminal device 2 is the same as that in the first embodiment except for the search processing, and thus the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, the search process in the central apparatus 1 in Embodiment 3 is demonstrated.

  19 and 20 are flowcharts illustrating a processing procedure in which the central apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment performs a search process. The CPU 11 that has received the terminal possession information reads the possessed content list B and the content reproduction list 52 that list the content data 42 stored in the reproduction terminal device 2 from the terminal possession information (step S1101). Next, the terminal specifying information stored in the central device 1 is read from the storage unit 13 (step S1102), and the stored content list A stored in association with the terminal specifying information is read to the stored content list A. In the content data 41, 41,... Included, it is determined whether or not the content data 41 that matches the content data 42, 42,. Judgment is made (step S1103). When the owned content list A occupies 30% or more that matches the content data 42 (S1103: YES), the terminal specifying information associated with the owned content list A is saved in the temporary storage area 14 (step If it is less than 30% (S1103: NO), the process proceeds to the next without saving.

  CPU11 judges whether all the terminal specific information memorize | stored in the central apparatus 1 was read (step S1105). If all the terminal identification information has not been read (S1105: NO), the CPU 11 returns the process to step S1102, and performs the process for the next terminal identification information. When all the terminal identification information is read (S1105: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the terminal identification information is stored in the temporary storage area 14 (step S1106), and when not stored (S1106: NO). ) Since there is no corresponding content reproduction list 51, the search process is terminated.

  When the terminal identification information is stored in the temporary storage area 14 (S1106: YES), the content reproduction list 51 associated with each terminal identification information is extracted (step S1107). The extracted content reproduction lists 51 are read one by one (step S1108), and the content data 42 included in the retained content list B included in the received terminal possession information among the content data 41 included in the content reproduction list 51. It is determined whether there are 10 or more content data 41 that match the content reproduction list 51 (step S1109). If there are 10 or more matches in the content playback list 51 with the content data 42 (S1109: YES), the content playback list 51 is stored in the temporary storage area 14 (step S1110). S1109: NO), proceed to the next without saving.

  The CPU 11 determines whether all of the content reproduction list 51 extracted in step S1107 has been read (step S1111). If not all have been read (S1111: NO), the CPU 11 returns the process to step S1108 and performs the process for the next content reproduction list 51. When all the data has been read (S1111: YES), the search process is terminated using the content reproduction list 51 stored in the temporary storage area 14 as a search result.

  Through the above processing, the terminal identification information is extracted first, and further, the same content reproduction list 51 as that stored in the extracted reproduction terminal device 2 is extracted. Since the total number of terminal specifying information stored may be smaller than the total number of content reproduction lists 51 stored in the central apparatus 1, the search processing speed of the central apparatus 1 is increased. This makes it possible to reduce the stress on the system user by searching for a content reproduction list that suits the user's preference and waiting during the search process. By obtaining a new content reproduction list 51 by a user who is satisfied with the search result, purchase of new content data 41 included in the content reproduction list 51 can be promoted.

  In the third embodiment, the search result is obtained simply by extracting the content playback list possessed by the user from the content reproduction list possessed by the extracted user. The central device 1 stores the usage frequency associated with the terminal identification information or the usage count and acquisition count associated with the content reproduction list, and the usage frequency, usage count and acquisition count are all or any one or two. The extracted content reproduction list may be further sorted or narrowed down.

(Embodiment 4)
Since the configuration of the content reproduction list search system 100 according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted, and the operations of the central device 1 and the reproduction terminal device 2 will be described below with the same reference numerals. In the fourth embodiment, the playback terminal device 2 uses the retained content list B that lists the content data 42 stored in the playback terminal device 2 at the time of the search and the stored content playback list 52 as terminal possession information. The transmission is the same as in the first to third embodiments. Similar to the second embodiment, the number of times of use of the content reproduction list 52 is stored in the reproduction terminal device 2 and transmitted to the central device 1 at a predetermined interval. Also, the central device 1 stores the terminal identification information, the usage frequency and the content reproduction list 51 are stored in association with the terminal identification information, and the usage count and the acquisition count are stored in association with the content reproduction list 51. The same as in the second embodiment. Further, the stored content list A in which the content data 42 is listed in association with the terminal specifying information is stored as in the third embodiment. Therefore, the description of the same part is omitted, and in the fourth embodiment, the procedure of the search process is different from that of the above-described embodiment, and the different search process will be described below.

  FIGS. 21 and 22 are flowcharts illustrating a processing procedure in which the central apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment performs a search process. The CPU 11 that has received the terminal possession information reads the possessed content list B and the content reproduction list 52 that list the content data 42 stored in the reproduction terminal device 2 from the terminal possession information (step S1201). Next, the terminal specific information stored in the central device 1 is read from the storage unit 13 (step S1202), and the content data 41, 41, included in the owned content list A stored in association with the terminal specific information is stored. .. Of content data 42, 42,... Included in the received owned content list B account for 30% or more of the owned content list A (step S1203). If the content content A that matches the content data 42 occupies 30% or more (S1203: YES), the terminal specifying information associated with the content list A is stored in the temporary storage area 14 (step S1203). If it is less than 30% (S1203: NO), the process proceeds without saving.

  CPU11 judges whether all the terminal specific information memorize | stored in the central apparatus 1 was read (step S1205). When all the terminal identification information has not been read (S1205: NO), the CPU 11 returns the process to step S1202 and processes the next terminal identification information. When all the terminal identification information has been read (S1205: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the terminal identification information is stored in the temporary storage area 14 (step S1206), and when not stored (S1206: NO). ) Since there is no corresponding content reproduction list 51, the search process is terminated.

  If the terminal identification information is stored in the temporary storage area 14 (S1206: YES), the content reproduction list 51 associated with each terminal identification information is extracted (step S1207). The usage frequencies stored in association with the terminal identification information associated with the content reproduction list 51 are read (step S1208) and sorted in descending order of the usage frequency (step S1209). Next, for the content reproduction list 51 having the same usage frequency, the CPU 11 reads the number of times of use and the number of acquisition times stored in the storage unit 13 in association with each content reproduction list (step S1210). Are sorted in descending order of use count or acquisition count (step S1211), and the process ends.

  In the fourth embodiment, after the terminal identification information is extracted, the content playback list 51 is sorted in descending order of usage frequency, and then the content playback list 51 having the same usage frequency is sorted again in the order of the most frequently used or acquired frequency of the content playback list 51. However, any order may be used. Moreover, the structure which made the result sorted in order with a high usage frequency as a search result as it is may be sufficient. A configuration may be used in which the content reproduction list 51 is not sorted in the descending order of frequency of use but is sorted only in the order of the most frequently used contents. Alternatively, the content reproduction list 51 may be sorted only in the order of the number of acquisitions.

  In the first to third embodiments, the process of determining whether or not the extracted content reproduction list 51 includes the content data 42 listed in the owned content list B is always performed. However, even if the content data 42 stored in the playback terminal apparatus is not included, there is a content playback list 51 including the content data 41 that the user is interested in. Rather, such content playback list 51 is output as a result. It can be said that the satisfaction of the search result of the user is high. In Embodiment 4, since it is not determined whether or not the content data 42 listed in the owned content list A is included in the content playback list 41, the content data 42 stored in the playback terminal device 2 is included. The content reproduction list 51 having no content is also searched.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the reproduction terminal device 2 having the common stored content data 41 is extracted, and the content reproduction transmitted from the reproduction terminal device 2 storing the common content data 41 to the central device 1 is reproduced. The content reproduction list 51 is searched from the list 51. In addition, the number of times of use or acquisition that is stored in association with the searched content reproduction list 51, and further assigning a priority to the search results, the user is likely to like the next. The content reproduction list 51 including the content data 41 that is a candidate for purchase is also searched, and the user can obtain a search result with higher satisfaction. When the user likes the content reproduction list 51 that is only the content data 41 that has not been held so far, the user purchases new content data included in the content reproduction list 51, and further promotes the purchase of the content data 41. Is possible.

  The first to fourth embodiments have been described using the example in which the central device 1 is a server type PC and the playback terminal device 2 is a PC. The central device 1 is not limited to a server type PC, and may be a dedicated device as long as it communicates with the reproduction terminal device 2 and stores and operates content data, a content reproduction list, and the like. The playback terminal device 2 is not limited to a PC, but can communicate with the central device 1 and have means for reproducing music, video, and other content data as audio and video. It may be a video player or the like. In addition, it is a cellular phone or a portable music / video player that uses the content reproduction list obtained by searching to reproduce it as audio and video, and the content data and content obtained from the retrieval result by the reproduction terminal device 2 The play list may be further transferred to a mobile phone or a portable music / video player.

  Further, in the above first to fourth embodiments, the content reproduction list search system 100 has been described as being configured with a plurality of reproduction terminal devices 2, 2,... There may be a configuration in which there are a plurality of central devices 1 and the playback terminal devices 2, 2,... Are connected to any central device 1 to transmit / receive a content playback list or the like.

It is a block diagram which shows typically the content reproduction list search system which concerns on this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of a central device and a playback terminal device according to Embodiment 1. It is an illustration figure which shows the example of the content of a content reproduction list. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in which the playback terminal device according to Embodiment 1 makes a content playback list search request to the central device and receives the content playback list from the central device. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in which the central apparatus according to Embodiment 1 searches in response to a search request from a playback terminal apparatus and transmits a content playback list. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in which a central device according to Embodiment 1 performs a search process. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating various information stored in a central device according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in which a playback terminal device according to Embodiment 2 transmits a content playback list to a central device. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in which a central apparatus according to Embodiment 2 receives and stores a content reproduction list from a reproduction terminal apparatus. FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of a content reproduction list stored in a reproduction terminal device according to Embodiment 2. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in which a playback terminal device according to Embodiment 2 transmits the number of times a content playlist is used. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in which a central device according to Embodiment 2 receives an increase in the number of times of use of a content playlist from a playback terminal device and updates the number of times of use. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in which a central apparatus according to Embodiment 2 searches in response to a search request from a playback terminal apparatus and transmits a content playback list. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in which a central device according to Embodiment 2 performs a search process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in which a central device according to Embodiment 2 performs a search process. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating various information stored in a central device according to a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in which a playback terminal device according to Embodiment 3 transmits a content playback list to a central device. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in which a central apparatus according to Embodiment 3 receives and stores a content reproduction list from a reproduction terminal apparatus. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in which a central device according to Embodiment 3 performs a search process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in which a central device according to Embodiment 3 performs a search process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in which a central device according to Embodiment 4 performs a search process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in which a central device according to Embodiment 4 performs a search process.

Explanation of symbols

100 Content Replay List Search System 1 Central Device 11, 21 CPU
15, 29 Communication unit 2 Playback terminal device 3 Packet switching network 4, 41, 42 Content data 5, 51, 52 Content playback list

Claims (18)

Playable content data and a content play list that selects content data and stores the content play list, and reproduces content data using the content play list, and a content play list that can be acquired by the play terminal device A content playback list search system for receiving a search request from the playback terminal device and searching for a stored content playback list.
The playback terminal device
Means for transmitting terminal holding information including a stored content list that lists stored content data and a stored content reproduction list to the central device;
The central device is
Means for receiving the terminal holding information;
Search means for searching the stored content reproduction list based on the received terminal possession information;
Means for transmitting the searched content playlist, and a content playlist search system. The search means includes
From the stored content playlist,
Means for extracting a content reproduction list in which the content data listed in the retained content list included in the received terminal possession information is included in a predetermined number or more, or a predetermined ratio or more. The content reproduction list search system according to claim 1. The central device is
Means for storing terminal specifying information for specifying the playback terminal device;
A content reproduction list included in the received terminal possession information and means for storing the possessed content list in association with the terminal identification information;
The search means includes
From the stored content list
Means for extracting a content list in which the content data listed in the retained content list included in the received terminal content information is included in a predetermined number or more, or a predetermined ratio or more;
Means for extracting the terminal identification information associated with the extracted retained content list,
The content playback list search system according to claim 1, wherein a search result is a content playback list associated with the extracted terminal identification information. The search means further includes:
Means for extracting a content reproduction list in which the content data listed in the retained content list included in the received terminal possession information is included in a predetermined number or more, or a predetermined ratio or more. The content reproduction list search system according to claim 3. The search means further includes:
A priority is given to the searched content playback list and the content playback list included in the received terminal possession information in the order of decreasing number of overlapping content data or decreasing ratio of overlapping content data. The content reproduction list search system according to claim 2 or 4. The playback terminal device
Means for storing the number of times the stored content playlist is used;
Means for transmitting the number of uses to the central device,
The central device is
Means for storing the received number of uses in association with a content playlist;
The search means further includes:
The content reproduction list search system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a priority is assigned to the searched content reproduction list in the descending order of the number of times of use. The central device is
Means for storing the number of times the stored content reproduction list has been acquired by the reproduction terminal device in association with the content reproduction list;
The search means further includes:
The content playback list search system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a priority order is assigned to the searched content playback list in descending order of the number of acquisition times. The playback terminal device
Means for storing the number of times the stored content playlist is used;
Means for transmitting the stored number of uses to the central unit;
The central device is
Means for storing terminal specifying information for specifying the playback terminal device;
Means for storing a content reproduction list included in the received terminal holding information in association with the terminal specifying information;
Means for storing the received usage count in association with a content reproduction list;
Means for storing the number of times of acquisition of the stored content playlist in the playback terminal device in association with the content playlist;
Based on the number of times of use and / or the number of times of acquisition further associated with each of a plurality of content playlists associated with the terminal identification information, the content playlist associated with the terminal identification information is used and / or Means for calculating the usage frequency to be acquired;
Means for storing the calculated usage frequency in association with the terminal identification information,
The search means further includes:
6. The content reproduction list search system according to claim 1, wherein priority is given to the searched content reproduction list in the order of the frequency of use. The playback terminal device
Means for storing the number of times the stored content playlist is used;
Means for transmitting the stored number of uses to the central unit;
The central device is
Means for storing the received usage count in association with a content reproduction list;
Means for storing the number of times the stored content play list has been acquired by the playback terminal device in association with the content play list;
Based on the number of times of use and / or the number of times of acquisition further associated with each of a plurality of content playlists associated with the terminal identification information, the content playlist associated with the terminal identification information is used and / or Means for calculating the usage frequency to be acquired;
Means for storing the calculated usage frequency in association with the terminal identification information,
The search means further includes:
The content reproduction list search system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein a priority is assigned to the searched content reproduction list in the order of the frequency of use. Content playlist search that includes a means for storing content playlists that are selected from the list of reproducible content data and a means for transmitting the content playlist, and that searches the content playlist in response to a search request from an external device In the device
Means for receiving possession information including a possession content list that lists content data possessed by the external device and a content reproduction list possessed by the external device;
Search means for searching the stored content reproduction list based on the received possession information;
Means for transmitting the searched content reproduction list, and a content reproduction list search device. The search means includes
From the stored content playlist,
A means for extracting a content reproduction list in which the content data listed in the retained content list included in the received retained information is included in a predetermined number or more, or a predetermined ratio or more is provided. Item 13. A content reproduction list search device according to Item 10. Means for storing source specifying information for specifying the source of the retained information;
Means for storing the content reproduction list and the owned content list included in the received retained information in association with the transmission source specifying information;
The search means includes
From the stored content list
Means for extracting a held content list in which the content data included in the received held information is included in a predetermined number or more or a predetermined ratio or more;
Means for extracting source identification information associated with the extracted retained content list,
The content reproduction list search device according to claim 10, wherein a search result is a content reproduction list associated with the extracted transmission source specifying information. The search means further includes:
A means for extracting a content reproduction list in which the content data listed in the retained content list included in the received retained information is included in a predetermined number or more, or a predetermined ratio or more is provided. Item 13. A content reproduction list search device according to Item 12. The search means further includes:
The priority is given to the searched content playback list and the content playback list included in the received possessed information in the order of decreasing number of overlapping content data or decreasing ratio of overlapping content data. The content reproduction list search device according to claim 11 or 13. Means for storing the number of transmissions of the content playlist in association with the stored content playlist;
The search means further includes:
The content reproduction list search device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein priorities are assigned in descending order of the number of transmissions. Content data list that can be played back and content playback list selected from the content data and stored therein, and playback of the content data using the content playback list, and content playback list that can be acquired by the playback terminal device A content playback list search method for receiving a search request from the playback terminal device and searching for a stored content playback list.
The playback terminal device
Transmitting terminal possession information including a retained content list that lists stored content data and a stored content reproduction list to the central device;
The central device is
Receiving the terminal possession information;
Search the stored content playlist based on the received device possession information,
A method for searching a content playlist, comprising transmitting the searched content playlist. The central device is
Storing terminal specifying information for specifying the playback terminal device;
The content reproduction list and the possessed content list included in the received terminal possession information are stored in association with terminal identification information for identifying the reproduction terminal device,
Search based on the terminal possession information,
From the stored content list
The content data listed in the retained content list included in the received terminal possession information is extracted from a retained content list including a predetermined number or more, or a predetermined ratio or more,
Extracting the terminal identification information associated with the extracted owned content list;
The content reproduction list search method according to claim 16, wherein a search result is a content reproduction list associated with the extracted terminal identification information. Search based on the terminal possession information,
The content reproduction list in which the content data listed in the held content list included in the received terminal holding information is included in a predetermined number or more, or a predetermined ratio or more is extracted. Or the content reproduction list search method according to 17.

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