JP2007336086A - Content recorder, content reproducing device, and content network system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a content recorder, a content reproducing device, a content recording and reproducing device, and a content network system such that when one of a plurality of content data recorded in a plurality of devices connected through a network is selected, the data can be reproduced successively after digest information of data relating to the data is reproduced. <P>SOLUTION: The content recording device, the content reproducing device, and a content recording and reproducing device according to the present invention generate digest information of content data when the content data is recorded or reproduced, and reproduce digest information of data relating to content data recorded in one of the devices on the network when the content data is reproduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a content recording device, a content playback device, a content recording / playback device, and a content network system, and more particularly to a content recording device, a content playback device, a content recording / playback device, and a content network system that allow easy viewing of a related program digest. .

  Networking of home computers and the like and digitization of video and the like have progressed, and content data can be easily transmitted and received via the network, and content data can be shared. As a result, even if the content data is not recorded in the actually operated device, it can be viewed at any time as long as the data is recorded in any device on the network.

  As described above, when the amount of content data that can be viewed increases, the user cannot grasp the content of each content data, and thus the device management method is required.

  As one of such management methods, a video recording method is considered in which a part of content data is extracted and digest information that is a summary of the data is created (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  By creating digest information by such a video recording method, it is possible to reproduce the digest information in a time much shorter than the actual content data recording time. Unlike the conventional fast-forward playback or the like, this digest information can be accompanied by sound, and since the playback portion is played at a normal speed, there is an advantage that the user can easily grasp the contents.

As an example of using digest information, when a user wants to play a series of episodes in the middle of a drama and wants to check the previous story, the user can watch the digest by playing each digest information. It becomes possible to enjoy the drama of the times to be more enjoyed.
JP 2003-283967 A

  However, according to the conventional video recording method, in order to use such a method, it is necessary to individually call and reproduce the digest information of each time until the previous time, so as the number of broadcasts of the drama progresses, the work is It will take a lot of time and will be inconvenient.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a content recording device, a content playback device, a content recording / playback device, and a content network system that allow a user to easily grasp the contents related to one or more content data stored in devices on a network. For the purpose.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a recording means for recording content data, a control means for creating digest information composed of one or more scenes related to the content data recorded by the recording means, and a network. And a communication unit that communicates with the external device and transmits digest information related to one or more content data that matches a specified condition from the external device to the external device.

  The present invention also provides a communication means for transmitting a digest information transmission request specifying a condition to one or more external devices connected via a network and receiving one or more digest information as a response to the request. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a content reproduction apparatus comprising: one or more digest information received by the communication means, arranged in chronological order, and reproduction means for reproducing the digest information.

  The present invention is also a network system comprising one or more content recording devices that store content data and a content playback device connected to the content recording device via a network, wherein the content recording device A recording means for recording data, a control means for creating digest information composed of one or more scenes related to content data recorded by the recording means, and a communication with the content reproduction apparatus via a network, and a condition is designated Communication means for transmitting digest information related to one or more pieces of content data that matches a specified condition to the content reproduction device when the digest information transmission request is received, the content reproduction device comprising one or more pieces of the content Digest with specified conditions on the recording device A communication unit that transmits one or more digest information that is a response to the request, and a reproduction unit that arranges the one or more digest information received by the communication unit in time series and reproduces the digest information. The present invention also provides a network system characterized by comprising:

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the user can grasp | ascertain easily the content which concerns on the 1 or more content data which the apparatus on a network memorize | stores.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(System configuration)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a network system including a video recording apparatus, a video playback apparatus, and a video recording / playback apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  A network system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a video recording device 1, a video playback device 2, a video recording / playback device 3, and a network 4 connecting them. The network 100 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example of the network system according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration example shown in FIG.

  In the present invention, it suffices to include at least one of a video recording device and a video recording / playback device, and at least one of the video playback device and the video recording / playback device, and are connected via a network. It is sufficient if there are two or more devices.

  The video recording device 1 is a device having a function of recording video content data by recording or the like, and transmits the recorded video content data to the video playback device 2 or the video recording / playback device 3 via the network 4. Specifically, an apparatus including a data storage unit such as a personal computer (PC) or a network server as shown in FIG.

  The video playback device 2 is a device having a function of playing back video content data, and plays back video content data received via the network 4 or an external terminal. Specifically, a DVD player (not having a recording function) as shown in FIG. 1, a network compatible TV, or the like is applicable. In addition, it is necessary to connect a monitor etc. separately about what is not provided with image display parts, such as a DVD player.

  The video recording / playback device 3 is a device having a function of recording video content data by recording and the like and a function of playing back video content data. The recorded video content data is transferred to the video playback device 2 via the network 4. It is also possible to transmit video content data received via the network 4 or an external terminal. Specifically, a DVD recorder with a built-in HDD as shown in FIG. 1, an HDD recorder, a PC, or the like is applicable. As for video reproduction, a monitor or the like needs to be connected separately for those that do not have an image display unit such as a DVD recorder.

  The network 4 transmits and receives data between connected devices, and corresponds to, for example, the Internet or a LAN. In addition, although the wired connection is made in the example of FIG. 1, it may be connected wirelessly.

(Basic internal structure of video recording device)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of the video recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 2, the video recording apparatus 1 includes a tuner unit 11, an encoding unit 12, a recording unit 13, a control / calculation unit 14, and a network unit 15, and further includes a network 4, an antenna 5, an external unit The apparatus 6 is connected.

  The tuner unit 11 receives a television broadcast wave in which video content data is transmitted via an antenna 5 configured outside the video recording device 1 via the antenna 5 configured outside the video recording device 1. A signal related to a specific channel is output.

  The encoding unit 12 converts the data signal of the television broadcast radio wave received by the tuner unit 11 into a signal in a format that can be recorded by the recording unit 13 described later. The video content data subjected to the signal conversion is temporarily stored in the recording unit 13 or sent directly to the arithmetic unit 14 for transmission to another device via the network 4.

  The recording unit 13 stores the video content data that has undergone signal conversion in the encoding unit 12. Specifically, it corresponds to a hard disk drive (HDD) or the like, but may be a semiconductor memory or a medium such as a DVD-R.

  The control / arithmetic unit 14 transmits control data for creating digest information from the video recorded in the recording unit 13, data converted in the signal in the encoding unit 12, or data recorded in the recording unit 13 through the network 4. This is for performing necessary arithmetic processing when transmitting to other devices via the network.

  The network unit 15 is an interface that connects the video recording device 1 and the network 4, and transmits video content data to other devices via the network 4.

(Basic internal structure of video playback device)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of the video reproduction apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 3, the video reproduction device 2 includes a recording unit 23, a control / calculation unit 24, a network unit 25, a decoding unit 26, and a video output unit 27, and further includes a network 4, an external device 6, and the like. Is connected.

  The recording unit 23 temporarily stores video content data received from the network 4. Specifically, a hard disk drive (HDD) or the like corresponds to the recording unit 13 described above, but may be a semiconductor memory, a medium such as a DVD-R, or the like.

  The control / arithmetic unit 24 performs control necessary for creating digest information from video content data received by the network unit 25, which will be described later, and when transmitting the content data to the recording unit 23 or the decoding unit 26. Is for doing.

  The network unit 25 is an interface that connects the video reproduction device 2 and the network 4, and receives video content data from other devices via the network 4.

  The decoding unit 26 converts the video content data signal transmitted from the recording unit 23 or the control / calculation unit 24 into a signal in a format that can be output via the video output unit 27.

  The video output unit 27 performs video output based on video content data. Video is output to a monitor built in the video playback device 2 or connected as the external device 6.

(Basic internal structure of video recording / playback device)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of the video recording / reproducing apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 4, the video recording / reproducing apparatus 3 includes a tuner unit 31, an encoding unit 32, a recording unit 33, a control / arithmetic unit 34, a network unit 35, a decoding unit 36, and a video output unit 37. Furthermore, the network 4, the antenna 5, and the two external devices 6a and 6b are connected.

  The tuner unit 31, the encoding unit 32, the recording unit 33, the control / calculation unit 34, and the network unit 35 are the tuner unit 11, the encoding unit 12, the recording unit 13, the control / calculation unit 14, and the network unit in the video recording apparatus 1 described above. 15 has the same function. The recording unit 33, the control / calculation unit 34, the network unit 35, the decoding unit 36, and the video output unit 37 are the recording unit 23, control / calculation unit 24, network unit 25, decoding unit 26 in the video reproduction device 2 described above. The video output unit 27 has the same function. That is, the video recording / reproducing apparatus 3 is an apparatus having both functions of the video recording apparatus 1 and the video reproducing apparatus 2.

(Create digest information)
Next, a method for creating digest information in the video recording apparatus 1 or the video recording / reproducing apparatus 3 will be described. Digest information is obtained by extracting one or more scene videos from one video content data. By viewing the digest information without viewing the entire video content data, It is possible to understand the outline of the content of the content data.

  Therefore, the creation of digest information indicates an operation of extracting a part of scenes from target video content data.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which a part of the scene is extracted from one video content data and digest information is created.

  First, as shown in FIG. 5A, a plurality of locations that are characteristic of video content data are selected, and a mark (for example, a flag or the like) is added thereto.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, a portion satisfying a certain standard with respect to the added flag position is extracted as a video for digest information. The fixed reference is, for example, a total of 20 seconds, 30 seconds starting from the flag position, and 10 seconds before and after the flag position.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 5C, each extracted video is put together and continuously played back to become one digest information.

  The digest information may be obtained by storing the video extracted by the above method as video data that is actual data separately from the video content data that is the basis, or may be used on a DVD or the like. Like the IFO file, it may be composed of information indicating the reproduction position without accompanying actual data. In the latter case, when digest information is reproduced, the original video content data is reproduced while referring to the reproduction position.

  As long as the digest information is a video having a time sufficiently shorter than the recording time of the target video content data, a part of the video may be extracted by any reference. However, an example of the criteria for where to extract is shown below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for determining an extraction part of a video used for digest information. In FIG. 6, three methods are given as an example, but the method is not limited to those described here.

  The method shown in FIG. 6A is to extract the points separated at regular intervals regardless of the content of the video content. For example, the video content data is divided every 10 minutes from the start of the video, and the first one minute of each part is extracted and combined into one data.

  The method shown in FIG. 6B is a method for detecting a CM portion included in video content data, extracting only a certain period of time immediately before or immediately after that portion, and collecting them into one data. In particular, variety programs, dramas, and the like often include important scenes before and after the CM, which is an effective method in such a case.

  The method of FIG. 6C is a method of extracting only a portion where the volume of BGM or cheering has increased compared to before and after that and making it one data. This is because in the case of dramas and movies, the volume of BGM often increases in important scenes, and in the case of sports programs, the cheering of important scenes increases. This is an effective method in such cases.

  The digest information can be created at the same time when the video content data is recorded, and is not performed at the time of recording the video content data, and the video recording device 1 or the video recording / reproducing device 3 is operating at a later date or midnight. It is also possible to do this using no time. It should be noted that the digest information can be created each time in response to a user request or a digest information reproduction instruction. If the method is created in advance, the responsiveness to the user is excellent, and when it is created in response to the user's request, for example, the entire reproduction time and digest information of the digest information are extracted according to the instruction from the user. You can change points.

(Digest information creation operation)
Next, the operation when creating digest information will be described. Here, description will be given by taking as an example an operation when digest information is also created when recording video content data. In the following description, the operation in the video recording apparatus 1 will be described, but digest information can also be created in the video recording / reproducing apparatus 3 by the same operation.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation when creating the digest information when recording the video content data in the video recording apparatus 1. The determination in the video recording apparatus 1 is made by a CPU (not shown) provided in the video recording apparatus 1, and the operation is performed by each component in accordance with instructions from the CPU.

  First, a video content data recording instruction made by a user operating the video recording device 1 is received (step S101). The content of the recording instruction may be a program currently being broadcast, or may be a recording reservation. Further, it may be a video input from the external device 6 instead of a broadcast program.

  In accordance with the received instruction, the video recording apparatus 1 starts recording the corresponding video content data (step S102). The received data is stored in a predetermined recording unit 13 such as an HDD or a DVD-R.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a representative scene has been detected (step S103). In this process, it is determined whether or not a scene to be included in the digest information is included in the video content data being received for recording. For example, in the case of extracting a scene at a certain time, it is determined whether or not the certain time has elapsed. When a certain time after the end of the CM is extracted, it is determined whether the CM has ended and the program has been resumed.

  When it is determined that a representative scene has been detected (S103: Yes), a signal serving as a mark is given to the beginning of the scene (step S104), and when it is determined that a representative scene has not been detected. (S103: No), this processing is not performed. Then, the received video is recorded (step S105).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the video to be recorded has ended (step S106). If it is determined that the video being received is still halfway (S106: No), the process returns to the above-described step S103 to continue video recording, and if it is determined that the video to be recorded has ended. (S106), the recording ends (step S107).

  Subsequently, a representative scene is selected (step S108). Based on the signal given in step S104 described above, a scene to be a representative scene is extracted. Then, the extracted representative scenes are combined to create one digest information (step S109). Then, it is recorded in the reproduction list (step S110).

  By performing the processing as described above, digest information can be created simultaneously when video content data is recorded.

(Search video content data)
Next, in the video recording device 1 or the video recording / playback device 3, when there is an instruction to call one video content data from another device on the network, the digest information of the data related to the video content data is searched. The operation when transmitting the playlist will be described. In the following description, the operation in the video recording apparatus 1 will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation in the video recording device 1 when an instruction to call a digest information video of data related to one video content data is received from the video playback device 2 or the video recording / playback device 3. The determination in the video recording apparatus 1 is made by a CPU (not shown) provided in the video recording apparatus 1, and the operation is performed by each component in accordance with instructions from the CPU.

  First, when the user calls one video content data in the video playback device 2 or the video recording / playback device 3, an instruction to extract data similar to the video content data is received (step S111).

  In response to the instruction, the video recording apparatus 1 first selects the first video content data in order to perform a search for extracting the corresponding data from the recorded data (step S112). Then, the similarity of the title between the selected data and the called data is calculated (step S113). This is because the related video content data has more similar titles. The similarity between titles can be determined, for example, based on how many characters at the beginning match, whether or not the same character string of how many consecutive characters are included, and the like.

  Subsequently, the similarity of the recorded day of the week between the selected data and the called data is calculated (step S114). This is because, for example, in the case of a continuous drama or the like, since it is broadcast every week on the same day of the week, the recorded days of the week are the same. Further, the similarity of the recorded time between the selected data and the called data is calculated (step S115). This is because in the case of a continuous drama or the like, not only is it broadcast every week on the same day of the week, but also the broadcast time is the same.

  Then, the final similarity is calculated by comprehensively considering the similarity calculated in the above-described step (step S116). Then, it is determined whether or not the selected video content data is content in the same category as the called video content data (step S117).

  If it is determined that the selected video content data is in the same category as the called video content data (S117: Yes), the selected video content data is selected as content in the same category (step S118). When it is determined that the selected video content data is in a different category from the called video content data (S117: No), the processing is not performed.

  Then, it is determined whether or not all recorded video content data has been searched (step S119). If it is determined that unsearched content still remains (S119: No), the process returns to step S112 to select the next content and perform a new search. On the other hand, when it is determined that the search has been completed for all the video content data (S119: Yes), the video reproduction apparatus 2 is notified of the search result and the digest information related to the video content data searched together. Is sent (step S120).

  By performing the processing as described above, when a user desires to reproduce certain video content data in one device on the network, the presence of other related content recorded on the network is notified to the user. Notification can be made automatically.

  In the above description, whether or not the same category is determined based on the similarity of the title and the recording date and time is not limited to this. For example, the similarity may be calculated in consideration of information such as a channel, a genre, and a performer.

(Send and receive digest information on the network)
Next, the operation of transmitting and receiving digest information between devices on the network will be described.

  FIG. 9 shows a case where the user operating the video playback device 2 selects “Title A 5th” from the video content data recorded in the video recording device 1 and the video recording / playback device 3 on the network 4. In addition to the data, the first to fourth digest information of “title A” is also acquired, and the video playback device 2 first plays back each digest information, and then the fifth video content. It is a figure which shows the flow of operation | movement of each apparatus in the case of reproducing | regenerating data.

  First, when a user operation for obtaining a title is performed in the video playback device 2, a title acquisition command is given to the video recording device 1 and the video recording / playback device 3 on the network 4 (step S131). .

  The video recording device 1 and the video recording / playback device 3 store the video content data and the missing digest information shown in FIG. 9, respectively, and the video recording device 1 responds to a title acquisition instruction from the video playback device 2. The title information of the video content data recorded by itself is transmitted to the video playback device 2 (step S132), and the video recording / playback device 3 similarly transmits the title information (step S133).

  The video playback device 2 that has received the title information displays the acquired title information on the monitor (step S134), and allows the user to make a selection. If the user selects “Title A 5th” from the displayed titles (step S135), the video playback device 2 makes a transmission request for “Title A 5th” to each device ( Step S136).

  In the video recording apparatus 1 that has received the transmission request, “Title A 5th” is not recorded, but a title related thereto is selected by the operation in FIG. 8 described above (step S137), and each of them is selected. Digest information is acquired and transmitted to the video playback device 2 (step S138).

  On the other hand, in the video recording / reproducing apparatus 2 that has received the transmission request, “Title A 5th” and related titles are also selected (step S139), “Title A 5th” data and others Is obtained and transmitted to the video playback device 2 (step S140).

  In the video playback device 2 that has received each data, the digest information of the times before “Title A 5th” is played back in chronological order (step S141), and then “Title A 5th” is played back. (Step S142).

  By performing such processing, when the user desires to reproduce one piece of video content data recorded in another device on the network, prior to the reproduction of the data, the previous digest of the video content data is performed. Since information can be reproduced, for example, when a continuous drama is reproduced, the previous story can be confirmed.

  In addition, the above operation example is an operation example when the previously recorded “Title A 5th” is played back, but the “Title A 5th” is not recorded and the user can watch in real time during the program broadcast. The same operation can be performed when making a reservation. In this case, according to the reservation status, in accordance with the broadcast of “Title A 5th”, the digest information from “1st” to “4th” is changed from the broadcast start time of “5th”. By starting playback from the time obtained by the playback time of all digest information, digest broadcast playback and real-time viewing can be performed continuously.

  In the case of real-time viewing reservation, the time from the start of digest broadcast playback to the start of the reserved program broadcast is calculated, the digest information size is adjusted to match that time, and the digest information is played back. May be.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the network system containing the video recording device which concerns on embodiment of this invention, a video reproducing device, and a video recording / reproducing device. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a video recording apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the basic composition of the video reproduction apparatus 2 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the basic composition of the video recording / reproducing apparatus 3 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows a mode that a one part video is extracted from one video content data, and digest information is produced. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows the example of the method of determining the extraction location of the image | video used for digest information. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation when creating digest information together with recording video content data in the video recording apparatus 1. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation when an instruction to call a digest information video of data related to one video content data is given to the video recording device 1. When the user operating the video playback device 2 selects “Title A 5th”, digest information from the 1st to 4th “Title A” is also acquired along with the data, and video playback is performed. It is a figure which shows the flow of operation | movement of each apparatus in the case of reproducing | regenerating each digest information first in the apparatus 2, and reproducing | regenerating the 5th video content data after that.

Explanation of symbols

1, video recording device 2, video playback device 3, video recording / playback device 4, network 5, antenna 6, external devices 11, 31, tuner units 12, 32, encoding units 13, 23, 33, recording units 14, 24, 34, control / calculation units 15, 25, 35, network units 26, 36, decoding units 27, 37, video output unit 100, network system

Claims (6)

Recording means for recording content data;
Control means for creating digest information composed of one or more scenes related to the content data recorded by the recording means;
A content recording apparatus comprising: a communication unit that communicates with an external device via a network and transmits digest information related to one or more content data that matches a specified condition from the external device to the external device. A communication means for transmitting a digest information transmission request specifying a condition to one or more external devices connected via a network, and receiving one or more digest information as a response thereto;
A content reproduction apparatus comprising: one or more digest information received by the communication unit, arranged in chronological order, and a reproduction unit that reproduces the digest information. The communication means transmits a specified condition for obtaining digest information related to content data reproduced by the reproduction means to one or more external devices,
3. The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the reproduction unit reproduces the content data after reproducing all the one or more digest information received by the communication unit.   4. The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the reproduction means reproduces digest information related to content data recorded at a time prior to the content data to be reproduced.   The reproduction means reproduces the content data obtained by receiving the broadcast wave in real time after reception, and reproduces all the one or more digest information received by the communication means before the reproduction of the content data is started. The content reproduction means according to claim 3. One or more content recording devices for storing content data;
A network system comprising a content playback device connected to the content recording device via a network,
The content recording device includes:
Recording means for recording content data;
Control means for creating digest information composed of one or more scenes related to the content data recorded by the recording means;
Communication means for communicating with the content reproduction apparatus via a network and transmitting digest information related to one or more content data satisfying the designated condition to the content reproduction apparatus when receiving a transmission request of the digest information for which the condition is designated And
The content playback device
A communication means for transmitting a digest information transmission request specifying a condition to one or more of the content recording apparatuses, and receiving one or more digest information as a response thereto;
A network system comprising: one or more digest information received by the communication means, arranged in chronological order, and reproduction means for reproducing the digest information.