JP2008005254A - Server device, client device, content reproduction system, content processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reproduce every content regardless of the difference of formats or processing capabilities. <P>SOLUTION: When receiving a content list request signal and reproduction condition information from a client device 3, a server device 1 compares the reproduction condition information with its own content list, and when any content whose decoding is impossible is present in the client device, the server device 1 judges whether the format conversion of the content is possible by itself, and when judging that it is impossible, the server device 1 judges whether or not the format conversion of the content is possible by a server device 2 by referring to the conversion possibility information of the server device 2. Then, the server device 1 transmits a content list in which only the content whose decoding is possible by the client device 3 is described to the client device 3, and when a content request is made from the client device 3, the server device 1 performs the format conversion by itself according to the content, or requests the server device 2 to perform the format conversion, and makes the client device 3 reproduce the converted content. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a server device capable of transmitting content such as moving image data, audio data, and still image data to a client device, a client device capable of receiving and reproducing content from the server device, and the server The present invention relates to a content reproduction system including a device and a client device, a method of processing content in the server device, and a program thereof.

  In recent years, digital AV (Audio / Visual) devices such as home video recorders (PVR: Personal Video Recorder) and PCs (Personal Computers) are connected to each other via a home network such as Ethernet (registered trademark). Thus, a system that mutually uses contents such as moving image data, audio data, and still image data has been proposed. In particular, the specifications for content transmission (DLNA guidelines) as described above have been established by the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), and various devices corresponding to the specifications have been developed.

  In the DLNA guideline, for example, when a plurality of server devices that are content transmission sources and a client device that is a content transmission destination are connected via a network, the list information of content that can be viewed by the client device on the network ( When requesting transmission of (content list), each server device transmits to the client device list information of content that can be output by itself. The client device displays the content list, inputs selection of desired content from the user, receives the content from each server device, and plays it.

  By the way, in this content list, any content can be described in the list as long as it is a format (encoding method) of moving image / audio / still image data defined in the DLNA guidelines in each server device. Sent to client device. However, depending on the client device, the format of the content stored in each server device may not be able to be decoded (decrypted) in the client device, and such content is also displayed in the content list. Is selected by the user, it cannot be played back even if it is received from the server device. Even if the client device supports the encoding method of the content stored in the server device, the bit rate and file size that can be decoded are limited, so that the content may not be reproduced.

  In relation to such a problem, in Patent Document 1 below, information indicating a format and bit rate that can be decoded by the client device (terminal) is notified in advance to the server device, and the server device indicates the format and bit rate according to the information. A technique for converting and transmitting content to a client device is described.

Also in Patent Document 2 below, the client device (video playback device) transmits attribute information regarding its own data playback capability or storage capacity to the server device (video transmission device), and the server device performs content based on the attribute information. A technique for encoding and transmitting to a client device is described.
JP-A-9-284567 (paragraphs [0040] to [0046] etc.) JP 2001-358799 A (paragraph [0006] etc.)

  However, in the techniques described in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2, even if the server device acquires information such as the format and playback capability supported by the client device, there are many variations in the format and playback capability. Therefore, when the server device cannot convert the content according to the format or processing capability, the content cannot be transmitted to the client device, and cannot be reproduced by the client device even if transmitted. .

  In view of the circumstances as described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a server device, a client device, a content reproduction system, a content processing method, and a program capable of reproducing any content regardless of differences in format or processing capability. There is.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a server device according to a main aspect of the present invention is a server device that is connected to a client device and another server device via a network and can transmit content in response to a request from the client device. Storage means for storing a plurality of contents encoded by a plurality of encoding systems, and receiving means for receiving, from the client apparatus, decodable system information relating to the encoding system that can be decoded by the client apparatus And, based on the received decodable scheme information, the first encoding scheme of the first content among the stored contents can be decoded by the client device. Based on the conversion means for converting to the received decryptable method information, the second of the stored contents A first conversion request signal for requesting conversion of the third content encoding method into a fourth encoding method that can be decoded by the client device is transmitted to the other server device together with the second content. Transmitting means.

  Thus, even if there is a content of an encoding method that cannot be decoded by the client device among the plurality of contents stored by the storage means, the content that can be converted by the server device can be converted. Even if the content cannot be converted by the server device, the content that cannot be decoded by the client device is eliminated as much as possible by requesting the conversion from another server device, regardless of the difference in the encoding method. Any content can be played back on the client device.

  Here, the content refers to data such as moving image data, still image data, audio data, and the acquisition source is not particularly limited. For example, the content is broadcast, acquired from a recording medium, user Any content can be applied, such as those created by the For example, MPEG-1 (Moving Picture Experts Group phase 1), MPEG-2, MPEG-4, MPEG-4 AVC (Advanced Video Coding) for moving images, and JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group for still images). ), GIF (Graphic Interchange Format), etc., such as MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3), AAC (MPEG-2 (4) Audio AAC), and ATRAC (Adaptive TRansform Acoustic Coding). The server device is an electronic device such as a PC or a video recorder, and the client device is an electronic device such as a PC, a video recorder, or a television device.

  In the server device, the storage unit stores first convertible method information related to an encoding method convertible in the server device, and the receiving unit relates to an encoding method convertible in the other server device. The second convertible method information is received from the other server device, and the converting means compares the stored first convertible method information with the received decodable method information, and In the server device, it is determined whether or not conversion from the first encoding method to the second encoding method is possible, and the received second convertible method information and the received decoding are possible It may have means for comparing with the system information and determining whether or not conversion from the third encoding system to the fourth encoding system is possible in the other server device.

  Accordingly, the server apparatus using the decryptable system information received from the client apparatus, the first convertible system information stored in the server apparatus, and the second convertible system information received from another server apparatus. In addition, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the encoding method can be converted in another server apparatus, perform the conversion by itself, and request the other server apparatus to perform the conversion.

  In the server apparatus, the receiving means receives a content list request signal for requesting transmission of a content list in which attribute information of each stored content is described from the client apparatus together with the decryptable method information, The transmission means includes, in response to the content list request signal, the attribute information of each content that can be decrypted by the client device, including the first and second content determined to be convertible. The described content list may be transmitted to the client device.

  Here, the attribute information is information such as the title of each content, the storage date and time, and the total reproduction time. As a result, even if the content stored in the server device is content that cannot originally be decrypted by the client device, it is determined whether or not the encoding method of the content can be converted, The content list can be transmitted to the client device as a list. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from erroneously selecting content that cannot be decrypted from the content list, and convenience is improved.

  In the server apparatus, the first content may be moving image content, and the transmitted content list may include each thumbnail image of each content together with attribute information of each content.

  As a result, since the content list includes thumbnail images of content that can be decrypted by the client device, the content list is not transmitted without the thumbnail image being displayed on the client device. All the contents included in the content list can be confirmed by the thumbnail images.

  In the server apparatus, the reception unit converts the first encoding method of the third content encoded and stored in the other server device by the first encoding method to the second encoding. A second conversion request signal for requesting conversion to a system is received together with the third content from the other server device, and the converting means receives the third conversion request signal based on the received second conversion request signal. The first encoding method of the content may be converted into the second encoding method, and the transmission unit may transmit the converted third content to the client device.

  As a result, when there is content that cannot be decoded by the client device among the content stored in the other server device, the encoding method of the content is converted and transmitted to the client device in response to a request from the other server device. Thus, the content can be played back on the client device. That is, by complementing encoding methods that cannot be converted with other server devices, all contents can be played back on the client device regardless of the encoding method.

  In the server apparatus, the storage unit stores fifth content encoded by a fifth encoding method that can be decoded by the client device and decoded at a first bit rate, and the reception unit Receives bit rate information related to a second bit rate at which the content can be decoded by the client device, and the converting means uses the first bit of the fifth content based on the bit rate information. The rate may be converted to the second bit rate.

  As a result, even if the content stored in the server device corresponds to the encoding method of the client device, if the bit rate of the content is not compatible, the bit rate is set so that the bit rate can be decoded by the client device. The rate can be converted, and any content can be played back on the client device regardless of the bit rate of the content.

  A client device according to another aspect of the present invention is a client capable of receiving content stored in a first server device and a second server device connected to each other via a network. A storage means for storing decodable method information relating to a first encoding method and a second encoding method of content that can be decoded by the client device; and A third encoding method by the first server device based on the decodable method information out of the content stored in the first server device and the transmission means for transmitting to the first and second server devices The first content converted from the first encoding method to the first encoding method is received from the first server device, and transmitted from the first server device to the second server device. Receiving from the second server device the second content converted from the fourth encoding method to the second encoding method by the second server device based on the decodable method information Means and control means for controlling to decrypt and reproduce the first and second contents.

  Thus, by transmitting the decryptable method information to the first and second server devices, even if there are a plurality of contents that cannot be decrypted by the client device in the first server device, the first server device Content that can be encoded can be converted, and content that cannot be converted by the first server device is converted by the second server device so that the content can be always decoded by the client device. It can be received and played back, and content that cannot be decrypted can be prevented from being received in vain.

  In the client device, the receiving unit includes the attribute information of each content that can be decrypted by the client device, including the first and second content among the content stored in the first server device. The first content list described is received, and the control means displays the first content list in order to input a user operation for selecting one content from the received first content list. You may make it control so.

  Accordingly, since the content list in which only the content that can be decrypted is received by the client device is received, it is possible to prevent the useless content that cannot be decrypted by the client device from being selected from the content list and received.

  In the client device, the receiving unit includes, among the contents stored in the second server device, fifth content that can be converted from the fifth encoding method to the second encoding method, The second content list in which the attribute information of the content that can be decrypted by the client device is received, and the control means outputs the received second content list and the first content list to the third content list. In order to input the user operation for selecting the one content, the third content list may be controlled to be displayed.

  Thus, even if the content stored in the second server device as well as the content stored in the first server device cannot be decrypted by the client device, the content is encoded by the second server device. When it is determined that the conversion method can be converted, the second content list including the content is received from the second server device, and the contents stored in the first and second server devices are collected together. It can be controlled to be displayed as a third content list. Therefore, the user of the client device is unaware of whether the desired content is stored in the first server device or the second server device and whether or not the content can be decrypted by the client device. Any content can be received from the first or second server device and played back.

  A content reproduction system according to still another aspect of the present invention is a system including a first server device, a second server device, and a client device that can communicate with each other via a network, and the first server device. Storage means for storing a plurality of contents encoded by a plurality of encoding methods, and receiving means for receiving, from the client device, decodable method information relating to the encoding method that can be decoded by the client device; Based on the received decodable scheme information, the first encoding scheme of the first content among the stored contents is changed to the second encoding scheme that can be decoded by the client device. Conversion means for converting, and transmitting the converted first content to the client device and receiving the received decryption Conversion request for requesting conversion of the third encoding method of the second content among the stored contents into the fourth encoding method that can be decoded by the client device based on the possible method information Transmitting means for transmitting a signal to the second server device together with the second content, wherein the second server device sends the conversion request signal and the second content from the first server device. Receiving means for receiving, converting means for converting the third encoding method of the received second content into the fourth encoding method, and the converted second content to the client device Transmitting means for transmitting, and the client device transmits storage means for storing the decodable method information and the decodable method information to the first server device. Transmitting means; receiving means for receiving the first content from the first server; receiving the second content from the second server; and decoding the received first and second contents And reproducing means for reproducing.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a content processing method in which a server device connected to a client device and another server device via a network and capable of transmitting content in response to a request from the client device processes the content. A method of storing a plurality of contents encoded by a plurality of encoding schemes, and receiving from the client device decodable scheme information related to the encoding scheme that can be decoded by the client device And, based on the received decodable scheme information, the first encoding scheme of the first content among the stored contents can be decoded by the client device. And converting each stored content based on the received decodable format information. A first conversion request signal for requesting conversion of the third encoding method of the second content into a fourth encoding method decodable by the client device together with the second content. And transmitting to the server device.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a program is connected to a client device and another server device via a network, and a plurality of encoding methods are transmitted to a server device capable of transmitting content in response to a request from the client device. Storing a plurality of contents encoded by the client device, receiving from the client device decodable method information relating to the encoding method decodable in the client device, and the received decodable method Based on the information, converting the first encoding method of the first content among the stored contents into a second encoding method that can be decoded by the client device; and the received content Based on the decodable method information, a third encoding method of the second content among the stored contents Transmitting a first conversion request signal for requesting conversion to a fourth encoding method that can be decoded by the client device to the other server device together with the second content. Is.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to reproduce any content regardless of the format or processing capability.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a network configuration of a content reproduction system according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the content reproduction system according to the present embodiment includes a server device 1, a server device 2, and a client device 3, and each device is connected by, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark) 4. The server apparatus 1 and the server apparatus 2 transmit content such as moving image data, audio (music) data, and still image data to the client apparatus 3 in response to a request from the client apparatus 3, and the client apparatus 3 reproduces the content. It is possible. Further, it is possible to exchange contents between the server apparatus 1 and the server apparatus 2.

  As the server devices 1 and 2, specifically, an electronic device such as a PC or a video recorder (PVR) such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) recorder is applied, and the client device 3 For example, an electronic device such as a digital television device or a PC is applicable. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a PC is applied to the server apparatuses 1 and 2 and a digital television apparatus is applied to the client apparatus 3.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server device 1. As shown in the figure, the server device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, a flash memory 14, an operation input unit 15, a digital tuner 17, an IEEE1394. Interface (I / F) 18, Ethernet (registered trademark) / wireless LAN interface 19, USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface 20, flash memory interface 21, HDD 22, optical disk drive 23, buffer controller 25, Mux / Demux (multiplexer / demux) A multiplexer 26, a CODEC (COmpresser DECompressor) 27, an OSD (On-Screen Display) 28, D / A (Digital / Analog) converters 29 and 30, a display unit 31, a speaker 32, and a selector 33.

  CPU11 accesses RAM12 grade | etc., Suitably as needed, and controls each block of the server apparatus 1 comprehensively. The RAM 12 is a memory that is used as a work area for the CPU 11 and temporarily stores an OS, a program, processing data, and the like. The ROM 13 is a non-volatile memory in which an OS to be executed by the CPU 11, firmware such as programs and various parameters are fixedly stored. The flash memory 14 is a non-volatile memory that stores convertible information (described later) indicating information related to format conversion that can be performed by the CODEC 27 in addition to various programs and various data.

  The operation input unit 15 includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a button, a switch, and the like. The operation input unit 15 inputs various setting values and commands by user operations and outputs them to the CPU 11.

  Under the control of the CPU 11, the digital tuner 17 selects a specific channel for digital broadcasting via an antenna (not shown), receives broadcast data, demodulates the broadcast data, and sends it to the Mux / Demux 26 via the selector 33. The data is output and reproduced, or recorded on the HDD 22 or the optical disk 24 via the buffer controller 25. The broadcast data is, for example, an MPEG stream encoded in the MPEG-2 TS format, but is not limited to this format.

  The IEEE1394 interface 18 can be connected to an external device such as a digital video camera. Content such as moving image data shot and recorded by a digital video camera or the like can be reproduced or stored in the HDD 22 or the optical disc 24 in the same manner as the content received by the digital tuner 17.

  The Ethernet (registered trademark) / wireless LAN interface 19 inputs various data transmitted from the client device 3 or the server device 2 via the Ethernet (registered trademark) 4 or the wireless LAN, and the Ethernet (registered trademark). 4 is connected to an external network such as the Internet via 4 to exchange various data and contents with a Web server or the like.

  The USB interface 20 inputs content and other data from an external storage device such as a USB memory or a device such as a digital camera via the USB, and appropriately reproduces or stores the data.

  The flash memory interface 21 is connected to, for example, a memory card (for example, a memory stick) with a built-in flash memory, inputs contents and other data recorded in the flash memory, and appropriately reproduces or stores them.

  The HDD 22 stores contents input from the digital tuner 17 and other various interfaces, various programs such as OS and applications, other data, etc. in a built-in hard disk, and reads them from the hard disk at the time of reproduction, etc. Output to the controller 25. The content stored in the HDD 22 includes the content of the broadcast program received from the digital tuner 17, the content of the Internet program received via the Internet or the like by the IPTV (Internet Protocol television) service, or the like. Various contents such as original contents photographed and edited by a digital camera or the like, contents stored from various recording media such as optical disks, and the like are stored. The HDD 22 also stores a content list indicating a list of contents stored in the HDD 22.

  The optical disc drive 23 can be loaded with an optical disc 24 and can record and reproduce signals with respect to the optical disc 24. The optical disk drive 23 reads data stored on the optical disk 24 and outputs the data to the buffer controller 25. Examples of the optical disk 24 include DVD (DVD-Video, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD + R, DVD + RW, etc.), BD (Blu-ray Disc), CD (Compact Disc), and the like.

  The buffer controller 25 controls the timing and amount of data read continuously from various interfaces such as the HDD 22, the optical disk drive 23, and the digital tuner, and the data read intermittently from the HDD 22 and the optical disk drive 23 are Output continuously to Mux / Demux26.

  The selector 33 selects data input from any one of the interfaces, the HDD 22 and the optical disk 24 based on a control signal from the CPU 11.

  The Mux / Demux 26 separates the multiplexed MPEG stream input from the buffer controller 25 into an MPEG audio stream and an MPEG video stream, and outputs them to the CODEC 27, or the MPEG audio stream and MPEG input from the CODEC 27. The video stream is multiplexed and output to the buffer controller 25 via the selector 33.

  The CODEC 27 decodes the MPEG audio stream and the MPEG video stream separated by the Mux / Demux 26 to convert them into digital audio signals and digital video signals, and converts the digital audio signals to the D / A converter 30 and digital video. The signal is output to the OSD 28. The CODEC 27 performs an encoding process on the digital audio signal and the digital video signal input from the buffer controller 25 in a predetermined format, and outputs the encoded signal to the Mux / Demux 26.

  That is, the CODEC 27 can convert content encoded in a certain format into another format. As described above, information related to the format conversion is stored in the flash memory 14 as convertible information. Details of the convertible information will be described later.

  The CODEC 27 can output the digital audio signal and the digital video signal input from the buffer controller 25 to the D / A converter 30 and the OSD 28 as they are.

  The D / A converter 30 converts the digital audio signal input from the CODEC 27 into an analog audio signal, and outputs the analog audio signal to the speaker 32 for reproduction.

  The OSD 28 generates graphics or the like to be displayed on the display unit 31 formed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, performs synthesis processing and switching processing with the digital video signal, and outputs the processed video data to the D / A converter 29. Output.

  The D / A converter 29 converts the digital video signal that has been subjected to graphic processing by the OSD 28 into an analog video signal, and outputs it to the display unit 31 for display.

  In addition to the audio stream and video stream, the broadcast data of the digital broadcast includes a PSI / SI (Program Specific Information / Service Information) signal for transmitting a data broadcast signal, EPG (Electronic Program Guide) data, and the like. It is included. The flash memory 14 and the HDD 22 also store EPG data extracted from the PSI / SI signal and the like.

  The configuration of the server device 2 is the same as the configuration of the server device 1, but in this embodiment, the CODEC of the server device 2 corresponds to a format conversion different from the CODEC 27 of the server device 1. To do.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the client device 3. As shown in the figure, the client apparatus 3 has substantially the same configuration as the server apparatuses 1 and 2, but does not have an HDD or an optical disk as compared with the server apparatuses 1 and 2, and Mux. The difference is that it does not have a function of multiplexing an MPEG audio stream and an MPEG video stream by a (multiplexer) or a function of converting a content format by CODEC. That is, the client device 3 can demultiplex the multiplexed content input from various interfaces with a Demux (demultiplexer), and can decode and reproduce the content with the decoder 57 in the same format.

  The client device 3 includes a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) 46, and the operation input unit 45 includes a light receiving unit for infrared signals transmitted from the remote controller 46.

  Further, the flash memory 44 of the client device 3 stores playback condition information indicating the playback conditions of the content played back on the client device 3, such as the format and bit rate.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the reproduction condition information stored in the client device 3. The reproduction condition information is described in, for example, XML (eXtensible Markup Language), but other description methods may be used.

  In the figure, <config # 1> accompanies the stream format, video format, screen size (view angle), maximum decoding bit rate, and video as playback conditions when playing video content (video). Information such as audio format, sampling frequency, and number of sampling bits is described. In the figure, the stream format is MP4, the video format is MPEG4-AVC, the screen size is D1 (480 interlace (720x480)), the maximum decoding bit rate is 10 Mbps, the audio format is AAC-LC (Low Complexity), and the sampling frequency. Is 44 KHz and the number of sampling bits is 16.

  In <config # 2>, information such as a stream format, an audio format, a sampling frequency, and a sampling bit number is described as a reproduction condition when reproducing audio content (audio). In the figure, the stream format is rtp (Real-time Transport Protocol), the audio format is MP3, the sampling frequency is 44.1 KHz, and the number of sampling bits is 16.

  In <config # 3>, information such as a still image format, a maximum file size, and a maximum number of pixels is described as a reproduction condition when reproducing a still image content. In the figure, the still image format is JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), the maximum file size is 16 Mbytes, and the maximum number of pixels is 1920,1080.

  The reproduction condition information 63 is appropriately changed depending on the function and processing capability of the client device 3.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the convertible information stored in the server device 2. As described above, the convertible information 35 is information in which the CODEC of the server device 2 can convert each content from which format to which format, for example, in XML. The description may also be in a language other than XML.

  As shown in the figure, the convertible information 35 describes a combination that can be converted between an input source (format before conversion) (<in>) and an output source (format after conversion) (<out>). The Specifically, the stream format, video format, maximum bit rate, and screen size are defined for each of the input source and the output source. In the figure, when a moving image content having a stream format of TTS (Transport Stream with Timestamp), a video format of MPEG-2, a maximum bit rate of 30 Mbps, and a screen size of HD (High Definition) is input, This indicates that conversion to moving image content having a format of MP4, a video format of MPEG4-AVC, a maximum bit rate of 10 Mbps, and a screen size of D1 is possible.

  Although only the description relating to the moving image content is shown in the figure, it goes without saying that the audio content and the still image content may be described similarly. Further, the input source and the output source may correspond to each other in a one-to-multiple manner. For example, in the figure, the input MPEG2 moving image format may be converted into a plurality of formats such as MPEG-2 and MS-VC1 (MicroSoft (registered trademark) Video Codec 1) other than MPEG4-AVC. . Conversely, a plurality of input formats may be converted into a single format.

  The server device 1 also stores information described in the same manner as the convertible information 35 in the flash memory 14, but in this embodiment, the server device 1 and the server device 2 have different convertible formats. The description of the convertible information of the server device 1 and the description of the convertible information 35 of the server device 2 are different.

  Next, the operation of the content reproduction system configured as described above will be described. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of operations until content is reproduced in the content reproduction system. In the figure, a case will be described in which one format stored in the server device 1 does not correspond to the decoder 57 of the client device 3 and the server device 2 is requested to convert the format of the content.

  As shown in the figure, first, in the client device 3, when the user inputs an operation for requesting a list of contents (content list) existing on the Ethernet (registered trademark) 4 by operating the remote controller 46 or the like, The CPU 41 of the client device 3 transmits a content list request signal requesting to transmit the content list stored in the server device 1 and the server device 2 (step 71). Further, the client apparatus 3 transmits the reproduction condition information 63 stored in the flash memory 44 together with the content list request signal to the server apparatuses 1 and 2 (step 72).

  The CPU 11 of the server device 1 that has received the content list request signal and the playback condition information 63 compares the content list stored in its own HDD 22 with the received playback condition information 63 and cannot be decoded by the client device 3. Judge whether there is. If there is content that cannot be decoded, the server device 1 determines whether or not format conversion is possible with reference to the convertible information stored in the flash memory 14. When the server device 1 determines that the format conversion is not possible, the CPU 11 of the server device 1 transmits a convertible information request signal for requesting the convertible information 35 stored in the server device 2 to the server device 2. (Step 73). The server apparatus 2 transmits the convertible information 35 to the server apparatus 1 in response to the request (step 74).

  Subsequently, the CPU 11 of the server device 1 determines whether or not the above-described converted content can be format-converted in the server device 2 based on the convertible information 35 received from the server device 2. Then, a content list including the content is transmitted to the client device 3 (step 75). At this time, the content list includes information on the format of each content and thumbnail images of each content, and the content that is determined to be convertible is included in the content list as content in the format after conversion. It shall be described and transmitted. For example, in the example of FIG. 5 above, when the format of the moving image content stored in the server device 1 is MPEG-2 and the format that can be decoded by the client device 3 is MPEG4-AVC, It is determined that the format can be converted, and the moving image content of which format is MPEG4-AVC is described in the content list and transmitted. The server device 2 also transmits its content list to the client device 3 in response to the content list request signal (step 76).

  The CPU 41 of the client device 3 that has received the content lists from the server devices 1 and 2 synthesizes the content lists by the OSD 58 or the like, and displays them as a full content list on the display unit 61 (step 77).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the entire content list. As shown in the figure, the content list displays attribute information such as the number, title, storage date / time, and total playback time of each content stored in the server devices 1 and 2, and thumbnail images 111 to 114 of each content. Is done. In the figure, each content is all moving image content, and each thumbnail image is, for example, a reduced display of the first frame of each content. Of course, a list of audio content and still image content can also be displayed. For example, for audio content, an image of an album CD or a single CD jacket is displayed together with attribute information as a thumbnail image, and for still image content, a thumbnail image thereof is displayed. Is displayed with attribute information.

  The user of the client device 3 selects desired content while moving the scroll bar 110 and the selection frame 115 on the right side of the screen with the remote controller 46 or the like. In the figure, for example, the content of content number 8 is stored in the server device 1 and is in a format that does not correspond to the decoder of the client device 3. If the content in the unsupported format is directly written in the content list of the server device 1 and transmitted to the client device 3, the client device 3 determines that the format of the content is unknown. The thumbnail image 113 of the content is not displayed. However, in the present embodiment, it is determined that the content can be converted in the server device 2 based on the convertible information 35 received by the server device 1 from the server device 2, and the client device 3 can handle the format. Since it is described in the content list as the content converted to, the thumbnail image 113 of the content can also be displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 6, when the CPU 41 of the client apparatus 3 inputs selection of the content number 8 from the entire content list, the CPU 41 transmits a content request signal for requesting transmission of the content to the server apparatus 1 (step 78). The CPU 11 of the server device 1 that has received the content request signal transmits a format conversion request signal for requesting format conversion of the content to the server device 2 together with the content (steps 70 and 80).

  The CPU of the server device 2 that has received the format conversion request signal and the content converts the format of the content by CODEC, and transmits the content after the format conversion to the client device 3 by streaming (step 82). The CPU 41 of the client device 3 that has received the content by streaming decodes the content by the decoder 57 and causes the display unit 61 and the speaker 62 to reproduce the content (step 83).

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the operation of the server device 1. In addition, in the same figure, description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified about the part which overlaps with the matter demonstrated in the said FIG.

  As shown in the figure, when the CPU 11 of the server apparatus 1 receives the content list request signal and the reproduction condition information 63 from the client apparatus 3 (step 91), the client apparatus 3 does not decode based on the reproduction condition information 63. It is determined whether there is content that can be processed (step 92). If there is such content, it is determined whether the content can be converted in the server device 1 (step 93), and conversion is impossible. In this case, the convertible information 35 is acquired to the server device 2 (step 94, step 95). Then, the CPU 11 of the server device 1 determines whether or not the content can be converted in the server device 2 based on the received convertible information (step 96). If the content can be converted, it is stored in the server device 1. A content list including all the contents is transmitted to the client device 3 (step 97).

  When it is determined in step 92 that there is no content that cannot be decoded by the client device, and when it is determined in step 93 that the server device 1 can convert the format of content that cannot be decoded by the client device, the server device The CPU 11 transmits a content list including all the contents to the client device 3.

  If it is determined in step 96 that content that cannot be converted by the server device 1 can also be converted by the server device 2, the CPU 11 of the server device 1 displays the content list excluding the content. It is created and transmitted to the client device 3 (step 98).

  After transmitting the content list, when the CPU 11 of the server device 1 receives a transmission request signal for one content from the client device 3 (step 99), whether or not the format conversion of the requested content is necessary, If necessary, it is determined whether format conversion is possible in the server apparatus 1 (step 100, step 101). For content that does not require format conversion, the content is read from the HDD 22 as it is and is streamed to the client device 3 (step 104). Content that requires format conversion and that can be format-converted by the server device 1 is subjected to format conversion by the CODEC 27 and the like, and then streamed to the client device 3 (step 103, step 104). For content that requires format conversion and cannot be converted by the server device 1, a format conversion request signal is transmitted to the server device 2 together with the content (step 102).

  6 and 7 show an example in which the server device 1 requests the server device 2 to convert the format of the content that cannot be decoded by the client device 3 among the contents that cannot be decoded by the client device 3. If there is content that cannot be converted, the server device 1 may be requested to perform format conversion. In this case, when the server apparatus 2 refers to the convertible information stored in the server apparatus 1 and determines that the format conversion is possible, the format conversion request signal is transmitted to the server apparatus 1 together with the content. The server device 1 converts the format of the content and transmits it to the client device 3.

  By the above operation, even if contents that cannot be decoded in the client device 3 exist in the server devices 1 and 2, the server devices 1 and 2 refer to the respective convertible information, and the server device 1 and the server device 2 Since any of the formats that can be converted is converted, any content can be played back on the client device 3 regardless of the format difference.

  Further, after determining whether or not the format conversion is possible, the content list in which only the content that can be decoded by the client device is transmitted to the client device 3, so that the content that cannot be decoded by the client device 3 is wasted. It is possible to prevent a request from being received or received.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  In the above-described embodiment, the processing in the case where the format of the content stored in the server devices 1 and 2 does not correspond to the decoder of the client device 3 has been described, but the format itself corresponds to the decoder of the client device 3. However, it is conceivable that the content cannot be reproduced by the client device 3 because the bit rate is not compatible. Therefore, similarly to the format conversion process, the server apparatuses 1 and 2 refer to the reproduction condition information 63 received from the client apparatus 3 to determine whether or not the bit rate conversion of the contents is possible and transmit the content list. Any of the server devices 1 and 2 that can convert the bit rate may be converted and transmitted to the client device 3. Similarly, the content stream format, screen size sampling frequency, number of sampling bits, file capacity, and the like may be converted according to the client apparatus 3 based on the reproduction condition information.

  In the above-described embodiment, the server device and the client device are connected via Ethernet (registered trademark) 4 based on the DLNA specification. For example, as shown in the network configuration diagram of FIG. A home network such as (registered trademark) 4 and a wide area network such as the Internet 5 are connected by FTTH (Fiber To The Home), and for example, the server device 1 in the Ethernet (registered trademark) 4 is connected to the server device on the Internet 5. It may be in a form that requests content format conversion to 2. By using FTTH, each line bandwidth of uplink communication (data transmission from the server apparatus 1 and the client apparatus to the server apparatus 2) and downlink communication (data transmission from the server apparatus 2 to the server apparatus 1 and the client apparatus 3) is sufficient. Secure content processing and smooth content processing. Of course, other communication methods such as ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) may be used instead of FTTH.

  In the above-described embodiment, two server devices and one client device are connected via Ethernet (registered trademark). However, the server device and client device connected to Ethernet (registered trademark) The number is not limited to this, and may be a form in which three or more server devices and a plurality of client devices are connected.

  In the above-described embodiment, when there are a plurality of formats that can be decoded by the client device 3 for one content, and the server device 1 or the server device 2 supports conversion to the plurality of formats, Each server device may cause the client device to select one of the plurality of formats. Alternatively, the client device may prioritize a plurality of formats and store the information together with the reproduction condition information, and each server device may perform format conversion according to the priority. As a result, the content can be reproduced in the format desired by the user, and convenience is improved.

It is the figure which showed the network structure of the content reproduction system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a server device 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a client device 3. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of reproduction condition information stored in a client device 3. FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the data structure of the convertible information which the server apparatus 2 memorize | stores. It is the sequence figure which showed the flow of operation | movement until content is reproduced | regenerated in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the server apparatus 1 in this embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of all the content lists. It is the figure which showed the network structure of the content reproduction system which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2 ... Server device 3 ... Client device 4 ... Ethernet (registered trademark)
5 ... Internet 11, 41 ... CPU
12, 42 ... RAM
13, 43 ... ROM
14, 44 ... Flash memory 15, 45 ... Operation input unit 22 ... HDD
26 ... Mux / DeMux
27 ... CODEC
31, 61 ... Display unit 32, 62 ... Speaker 35 ... Convertible information 57 ... Decoder 63 ... Playback condition information 111-114 ... Thumbnail image

Claims (12)

A server device connected to a client device and another server device via a network, and capable of transmitting content in response to a request from the client device,
Storage means for storing a plurality of contents encoded by a plurality of encoding methods;
Receiving means for receiving, from the client device, decodable method information relating to the encoding method that can be decoded by the client device;
Based on the received decodable scheme information, the first encoding scheme of the first content among the stored contents is converted into a second encoding scheme that can be decoded by the client device. Conversion means to
Based on the received decodable scheme information, the third encoding scheme of the second content among the stored contents is converted into a fourth encoding scheme that can be decoded by the client device. And a transmission means for transmitting a first conversion request signal for requesting to the other server apparatus together with the second content. The server device according to claim 1,
The storage means stores first convertible method information relating to an encoding method that can be converted in the server device,
The reception means receives second convertible method information about an encoding method that can be converted in the other server device from the other server device,
The converting means compares the stored first convertible scheme information with the received decodable scheme information, and the server device performs the second encoding from the first encoding scheme. It is determined whether or not conversion to a scheme is possible, and the received second convertible scheme information is compared with the received decodable scheme information, and the other server device performs the third conversion. A server apparatus comprising: means for determining whether or not conversion from the encoding method to the fourth encoding method is possible. The server device according to claim 2,
The reception means receives a content list request signal for requesting transmission of a content list in which attribute information of each stored content is described from the client device together with the decryptable method information,
The transmission means includes the attribute information of each content that can be decrypted by the client device, including the first and second content determined to be convertible in response to the content list request signal. The server device, wherein the content list in which is described is transmitted to the client device. The server device according to claim 3,
The first content is moving image content;
The transmitted content list includes each thumbnail image of each content together with attribute information of each content. The server device according to claim 2,
The receiving means converts the first encoding method of the third content encoded and stored in the other server device into the second encoding method. Receiving a requested second conversion request signal from the other server device together with the third content;
The converting means converts the first encoding method of the third content into the second encoding method based on the received second conversion request signal,
The server device characterized in that the transmission means transmits the converted third content to the client device. The server device according to claim 1,
The storage means stores fifth content encoded by a fifth encoding method decodable by the client device and decoded at a first bit rate;
The receiving means receives bit rate information related to a second bit rate at which the client device can decode the content,
The server device, wherein the converting means converts the first bit rate of the fifth content into the second bit rate based on the bit rate information. A client device capable of receiving content stored in the first and second server devices from the first and second server devices connected via a network,
Storage means for storing decodable method information relating to the first encoding method and the second encoding method of content that can be decoded in the client device;
Transmitting means for transmitting the decodable method information to the first and second server devices;
Of the content stored in the first server device, the first converted from the third encoding method to the first encoding method by the first server device based on the decodable method information. Is received from the first server device, transmitted from the first server device to the second server device, and encoded by the second server device based on the decodable method information. Receiving means for receiving, from the second server device, the second content converted from the method to the second encoding method;
A client device comprising: control means for controlling to decrypt and reproduce the first and second contents. The client device according to claim 7,
The receiving means includes the first and second contents among the contents stored in the first server device, and the attribute information of each content that can be decrypted by the client device is described in the first Receive a content list of
The said control means is controlled to display the said 1st content list, in order to input user operation which selects one content from the said received 1st content list. The client apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The client device according to claim 8, comprising:
The receiving unit includes a fifth content that can be converted from the fifth encoding method to the second encoding method among the contents stored in the second server device, and is decoded by the client device. Receiving a second content list in which the attribute information of possible content is described;
The control means combines the received second content list and the first content list as a third content list, and inputs the user operation for selecting the one content. An electronic device characterized by being controlled to display a content list. A system comprising a first server device, a second server device and a client device that can communicate with each other via a network,
The first server device is
Storage means for storing a plurality of contents encoded by a plurality of encoding schemes; receiving means for receiving, from the client device, decodable scheme information relating to the encoding scheme that can be decoded by the client device; Based on the received decodable method information, the first encoding method of the first content among the stored contents is converted into a second encoding method that can be decoded by the client device. A conversion means for transmitting the converted first content to the client device and, based on the received decodable method information, a third of the second content among the stored contents A conversion request signal for requesting conversion of the encoding method to a fourth encoding method that can be decoded by the client device is sent to the second And a transmitting means for transmitting to the second server device with content,
The second server device is
Receiving means for receiving the conversion request signal and the second content from the first server device, and converting the third encoding method of the received second content into the fourth encoding method Conversion means for transmitting, and transmission means for transmitting the converted second content to the client device,
The client device is
Storage means for storing the decodable scheme information; transmission means for transmitting the decodable scheme information to the first server device; receiving the first content from the first server; A content reproduction system comprising: reception means for receiving two contents from the second server; and reproduction means for decoding and reproducing the received first and second contents. A server device connected to a client device and another server device via a network and capable of transmitting content in response to a request from the client device processes the content,
Storing a plurality of contents encoded by a plurality of encoding methods;
Receiving, from the client device, decodable method information related to the encoding method that can be decoded by the client device;
Based on the received decodable scheme information, the first encoding scheme of the first content among the stored contents is converted into a second encoding scheme that can be decoded by the client device. And steps to
Based on the received decodable scheme information, the third encoding scheme of the second content among the stored contents is converted into a fourth encoding scheme that can be decoded by the client device. Transmitting a first conversion request signal for requesting to the other server device together with the second content. A server device connected to a client device and another server device via a network and capable of transmitting content in response to a request from the client device,
Storing a plurality of contents encoded by a plurality of encoding methods;
Receiving, from the client device, decodable method information related to the encoding method that can be decoded by the client device;
Based on the received decodable scheme information, the first encoding scheme of the first content among the stored contents is converted into a second encoding scheme that can be decoded by the client device. And steps to
Based on the received decodable scheme information, the third encoding scheme of the second content among the stored contents is converted into a fourth encoding scheme that can be decoded by the client device. Transmitting a first conversion request signal for requesting to the other server device together with the second content.

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