JP2008217873A - Content playback device, content playback program, and computer readable recording medium recording same program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a plurality of users to efficiently view a content without performing any complex user management even when the plurality of users are permitted to operate a content playback device and the like. <P>SOLUTION: The content playback device includes a recording unit 122, an input I/F 130, a video I/F 126, and a CPU 120. The recording unit 122 stores video information and resume information composing a content. The input I/F 130 receives an instruction of playback of the content and an instruction of stopping the playback. The video I/F 126 outputs the resume information and the video information. The CPU 120 outputs the video information when a playback instruction is received. The CPU 20 generates, when a stopping instruction is received while the video information is output, resume information according to the point of time. The CPU 20 stores the resume information generated after the reception of the instruction in the recording unit 122, in addition to the information stored before the stopping instruction is received. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a content reproduction device, a content reproduction program, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the content reproduction program is recorded. And a computer-readable recording medium on which a content reproduction program is recorded.

  Large-capacity recording media such as magnetic disk devices such as hard disks, DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), BDs (Blue-ray Discs), and HDDVDs (High Definition DVDs) distributed via terrestrial, satellite, wired, or wireless A reproducing apparatus that can reproduce various contents recorded in the video and enjoy viewing is used.

  In general, such a reproduction apparatus has been penetrating not only for business use but also for general households. When such a playback device is used by a family, it is assumed that such a playback device is installed in the living room and shared by the family.

  In addition, with the recent spread of networks to homes, HAN (Home Area Network) that connects AV (Audio Visual) devices is rapidly spreading.

  Various AV device connecting methods are being developed, and a user can operate a plurality of AV devices (in this case, recording devices) by operating them in front of the AV device (in this case, a display device). It has become to.

  Usually, when a plurality of people use an AV device, user authentication is performed, AV devices are associated with each other, and a complicated operation for use by the identified user is required. There is a mechanism in which AV data that has been viewed on an AV device (display device) is reproduced from the same position again when paused for some reason. In this case, there is a mechanism in which the paused position is remembered, and when the same user plays again, playback starts from the stopped position during viewing. One of such mechanisms is a resume point function for storing stop position information so that the next viewing can be started from the stop position when the reproduction of the content is stopped.

  Assuming such a usage pattern, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that allows a plurality of content resume points to be prepared and shared with a family.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a playback device that includes a content selection unit, a resume information recording unit, a resume information presentation unit, and a playback position designation unit. The content selection unit selects content to be reproduced from the content recorded on the recording medium. The resume information recording unit records resume information regarding the content including information indicating the playback position of the content. The resume information presentation unit presents the two or more resume information recorded in the resume information recording unit with respect to the selected content in a selectable manner. The reproduction position designating unit designates the reproduction position of the selected content from the reproduction position included in each of the presented two or more resume information and the start position of the content.

According to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, when shared by a plurality of users, the reproduction status of each user can be managed efficiently, and the capacity of the recording medium can be effectively utilized. .
JP 2005-332490 A

  However, in the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a plurality of users share a playback device, there is a problem that information on resume points recorded by a certain user can be altered against the intention of other users. Hereinafter, this problem will be specifically described.

  According to Patent Document 1, the resume point is updated once reproduced, and the information on the original resume point may be lost when the next place is recorded. In addition, the resume point that has been viewed until the end is automatically deleted, and therefore, the resume point may be lost if operated incorrectly. For this reason, if only the beginning of the content is watched by the whole family and the rest is watched, it is not possible to know who in the family where to continue.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. The purpose of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of content without complicated user management even when a plurality of users can operate. It is an object of the present invention to provide a content playback apparatus, a content playback program, and a computer-readable recording medium that records the content playback program.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a content reproduction apparatus includes storage means, reception means, output means, and control means. The accumulating unit accumulates video information indicating video composing the content, audio information indicating audio composing the content, and resume information indicating a reproduction start position in the content. The accepting unit accepts a content reproduction instruction and a reproduction interruption instruction. The output means outputs the resume information and the video information and audio information stored by the storage means. The control means controls the storage means and the output means. The control means includes output control means, reproduction control means, resume information creation means, and additional control means. The output control means controls the storage means and the output means so as to output resume information. When the accepting means accepts the content reproduction instruction, the reproduction control means reproduces the content reproduction instruction from the information corresponding to the beginning of the content if the content reproduction instruction does not specify the reproduction start position. When the start position is designated, the storage means and the output means are controlled so as to output the video information and audio information of the content according to the order of the video and audio in the content from the information corresponding to the playback start position. When the accepting unit accepts an instruction to interrupt the playback while the output unit outputs the video information and audio information of the content, the resume information creating unit responds to the time when the accepting unit accepts the instruction to interrupt the playback. Create resume information. The additional control means, in addition to the information accumulated before the reception means accepts the reproduction interruption instruction, so as to accumulate the resume information created by the resume information creation means after the reception means accepts the reproduction interruption instruction. Control the storage means.

  In addition, the resume information accumulated by the above-described accumulation means includes system information indicating a system to which the resume information belongs, identification information for identifying information belonging to the same system, and position data indicating a value corresponding to a reproduction start position. It is desirable to include. In addition, it is preferable that the resume information creating means includes a reading means, an identification information creating means for creating identification information, a position data creating means, and an assembly creating means. The reading unit reads the system information corresponding to the designation of the reproduction start position when the reproduction instruction of the content indicated by any one of the resume information output by the output unit is accompanied by an instruction to reproduce the content. The position data creation means creates position data indicating the start position of the reproduction in response to the reception means accepting the reproduction interruption instruction. The assembly creation means creates resume information based on the system information, the identification information, and the position data.

  Alternatively, it is desirable that the position data creating unit described above includes a detecting unit and a boundary data creating unit. The detecting means detects a boundary between a portion constituted by stereo audio and a portion constituted by monaural audio based on the audio information. The boundary data creating means creates, as position data, boundary data indicating a boundary adjacent to the time point when the reproduction is interrupted among the boundaries detected by the detecting means.

  Alternatively, it is desirable that the resume information creating means described above further includes system information creating means for creating system information when a content playback instruction lacks designation of a playback start position.

  In addition to the video information, audio information, and resume information, the above-described storage means preferably includes means for storing frequency information indicating the content reproduction frequency. In addition, it is desirable that the output means includes means for outputting frequency information in addition to the resume information and the video information and audio information stored by the storage means. In addition, it is desirable that the control means includes an update control means and a frequency information control means. The update control unit controls the storage unit to update the frequency information when the reproduction control unit controls the storage unit and the output unit. The frequency information control unit controls the storage unit and the output unit so as to output the frequency information.

  In addition, it is preferable that the above-described content reproduction apparatus further includes a communication unit for communicating a reproduction instruction, a reproduction interruption instruction, and resume information. In addition, the control means preferably further includes a resume information transmission control means for controlling the storage means and the communication means so as to transmit the resume information stored by the storage means. At the same time, the reproduction control means stores the video information and audio information of the content when the communication means receives the content reproduction instruction in addition to the case where the reception means accepts the content reproduction instruction. It is desirable to include means for controlling the means and the output means. In addition, the resume information creating means may include means for creating resume information when the receiving means receives a reproduction interruption instruction in addition to when the receiving means accepts the reproduction interruption instruction. desirable.

  The resume information described above preferably includes information on the creation time. In addition, it is desirable that the output control means includes means for controlling the storage means and the output means so as to output resume information indicating a color corresponding to the difference between the output time and the creation time of the resume information.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the content reproduction program includes a resume information output step, a reproduction instruction reception step, a content output step, an interruption reception step, a resume information creation step, and an additional accumulation step. Is executed on the computer. The resume information output step is a step of outputting resume information indicating a playback start position in the content. The reproduction instruction receiving step is a step of receiving a content reproduction instruction. In the content output step, when the content playback instruction is accepted, if the content playback instruction does not specify the playback start position, the content playback instruction determines the content playback instruction from the information corresponding to the beginning of the content. Is specified, the video information and audio information of the content stored in advance is output from the information corresponding to the playback start position in accordance with the video and audio order in the content. The interruption acceptance step is a step of accepting an instruction to interrupt reproduction. The resume information creating step is a step of creating resume information corresponding to the point in time when the instruction to interrupt the reproduction is received when the instruction to interrupt the reproduction is received while outputting the video information and the audio information of the content. The additional accumulation step is a step of accumulating resume information created after receiving the reproduction interruption instruction in addition to the information accumulated before receiving the reproduction interruption instruction.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the recording medium is a computer-readable recording medium on which a content reproduction program is recorded. The content reproduction program causes the computer to execute each step including a resume information output step, a reproduction instruction reception step, a content output step, an interruption reception step, a resume information creation step, and an additional accumulation step. The resume information output step is a step of outputting resume information indicating a playback start position in the content. The reproduction instruction receiving step is a step of receiving a content reproduction instruction. In the content output step, when the content playback instruction is accepted, if the content playback instruction does not specify the playback start position, the content playback instruction determines the content playback instruction from the information corresponding to the beginning of the content. Is specified, the video information and audio information of the content stored in advance is output from the information corresponding to the playback start position in accordance with the video and audio order in the content. The interruption acceptance step is a step of accepting an instruction to interrupt reproduction. The resume information creating step is a step of creating resume information corresponding to the point in time when the instruction to interrupt the reproduction is received when the instruction to interrupt the reproduction is received while outputting the video information and the audio information of the content. The additional accumulation step is a step of accumulating resume information created after receiving the reproduction interruption instruction in addition to the information accumulated before receiving the reproduction interruption instruction.

  The content playback device, the content playback program, and the computer-readable recording medium on which the content playback program is recorded according to the present invention can be operated by a plurality of users without complicated user management. Can view content efficiently.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a content reproduction system according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the content reproduction system according to the present embodiment includes two content reproduction devices 50 and two televisions 52. Note that three or more content reproduction devices 50 may be included in the content reproduction system according to the present embodiment. Three or more televisions 52 may be included in the content reproduction system according to the present embodiment. At least one of the content reproduction device 50 and the television 52 may be one.

  The content playback apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment is a PVR (Personal Video Recorder) connected to a network that records content on a recording medium 150 as video information or audio information and outputs the same to a television 52. . Content recorded on the recording medium 150 is input from a camera or input via a network. The content playback device 50 plays back content such as moving images, sounds, and animations recorded in the recording medium 150 or a built-in recording area such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) instead of the PVR. It may be a device. The content playback apparatus according to the present invention may be a VCR (Video Cassette Recorder), but the content playback apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment is a PVR. The television 52 outputs video and audio based on the video information and audio information output from the content reproduction device 50, thereby enabling viewing of content composed of the video and audio.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the content reproduction device 50. Referring to FIG. 2, content reproduction apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment includes a resume information management unit 60, a content management unit 62, a recording unit 64, and a communication unit 66.

  The resume information management unit 60 manages resume information. The content management unit 62 manages the reproduction of content and manages information related to the content. The recording unit 64 reads information about the content recorded on the recording medium 150 or records new information about the content on the recording medium 150. Thereby, the recording unit 64 operates as a block that accumulates various types of information. The communication unit 66 communicates with the television 52 and other devices that constitute the content reproduction system according to the present embodiment.

  The resume information management unit 60 includes a resume information recording control unit 80, a resume information output control unit 82, a resume information creation unit 84, a resume information update unit 86, a resume information deletion control unit 88, and a resume information selection unit 90. And a resume information input unit 92.

  The resume information recording control unit 80 controls the recording unit 64 so as to additionally record resume information regarding the content on the recording medium 150. The resume information output control unit 82 controls the recording unit 64 to output the resume information recorded on the recording medium 150 to the television 52. The television 52 displays the information. The display format of the resume information at this time corresponds to the default or the display format registered by the user in advance. The display form of the resume information may be changed while displaying the resume information. The resume information creation unit 84 creates resume information. The resume information update unit 86 controls the recording unit 64 so as to update the resume information recorded on the recording medium 150. The resume information erasure control unit 88 controls the recording unit 64 so as to erase the resume information recorded on the recording medium 150. The resume information selection unit 90 selects any of the resume information recorded on the recording medium 150 by the recording unit 64 in accordance with a user instruction. The resume information input unit 92 accepts input of information included in the resume information when the resume information creation unit 84 creates the resume information.

  The resume information creation unit 84 includes a reading unit 112, an identification information creation unit 114, a position data creation unit 116, and an assembly creation unit 118.

  The reading unit 112 reads the system information corresponding to the designation of the reproduction start position when the designation of the reproduction start position is accompanied by an instruction to reproduce the content. The system information in the present embodiment is information indicating the system to which the resume information belongs. The identification information creation unit 114 creates identification information. The identification information in the present embodiment is information for identifying resume information belonging to the same system. The position data creating unit 116 creates position data indicating the start position of playback in response to an instruction to interrupt playback. The assembly creation unit 118 creates resume information based on the system information, the identification information, and the position data.

  The position data creation unit 116 includes a detection unit 1160, a boundary data creation unit 1162, and a designated point data creation unit 1164.

  The detection unit 1160 detects a boundary between a portion composed of stereo audio and a portion composed of monaural audio based on the audio information of the content. The boundary data creation unit 1162 creates boundary data. In the present embodiment, the boundary data is a kind of position data. In the present embodiment, the boundary data indicates a boundary adjacent to the time point when reproduction is interrupted among the boundaries detected by the detection unit 1160. The designated point data creation unit 1164 creates position data indicating a point in time when the reproduction is interrupted.

  Resume information update unit 86 includes a reading unit 140, a detection unit 142, an assembly creation unit 144, and an update control unit 146.

  The reading unit 140 controls the recording unit 64 so as to read information and data constituting the resume information to be updated among information and data constituting the resume information recorded on the recording medium 150. The detection unit 142 detects a boundary between a portion constituted by stereo audio and a portion constituted by monaural audio based on the audio information of the content. The assembly creation unit 144 creates resume information based on the system information, the identification information, and the position data. The update control unit 146 controls the recording unit 64 so as to update the resume information recorded on the recording medium 150.

  The content management unit 62 includes a reproduction control unit 100, a content selection unit 102, an additional information output control unit 104, an additional information recording control unit 106, a content information deletion control unit 108, and an additional information update control unit 110. Including.

  The reproduction control unit 100 reproduces content recorded on the recording medium 150 as video information or audio information. Therefore, the reproduction control unit 100 controls the recording unit 64 so as to read video information and audio information from the recording medium 150, and outputs the information read by the recording unit 64 to the television 52. The television 52 displays video or outputs audio based on the information. When the playback control unit 100 starts playback of a content, the playback control unit 100 checks whether there is resume information corresponding to the content. When the resume information exists, the reproduction control unit 100 issues an instruction to the resume information output control unit 82. When receiving the instruction, the resume information output control unit 82 controls the recording unit 64 to output resume information to the television 52. The content selection unit 102 receives selection of content to be played back from a user who has viewed content information displayed on the television 52. The content selection unit 102 instructs the reproduction control unit 100 to reproduce the content according to the selection. The additional information output control unit 104 controls the recording unit 64 so that the additional information recorded on the recording medium 150 is read and output to the television 52. The television 52 displays the additional information. The additional information recording control unit 106 controls the recording unit 64 to record the additional information on the recording medium 150. In the present embodiment, the additional information refers to information (content reproduction frequency) recorded on the recording medium 150 regarding the title of the content, broadcast date and time, whether or not the content can be deleted (that is, whether or not the content is locked), Frequency information indicating the number of times the content has been reproduced, the elapsed time since recording, etc.), or other information associated with the content. The content information erasure control unit 108 controls the recording unit 64 so as to erase the video information and audio information constituting the content recorded on the recording medium 150. The additional information update control unit 110 controls the recording unit 64 to update the frequency information when the reproduction control unit 100 reproduces the content.

  In the present embodiment, the resume information is information indicating the reproduction start position in the content recorded on the recording medium 150. In the case of the present embodiment, the resume information includes a content ID for identifying the content, position data indicating the resume point, information indicating the last access time that is the date and time when the content was last played, and the first content. Inheritance information indicating whether playback was interrupted after starting playback from the start point or whether playback was interrupted again after starting playback from the resume point, system information indicating the belonging system, and resume information belonging to the same system And identification information for identifying. The resume point is used as a position where the reproduction of the content is resumed. By selecting a position where playback is to be started based on the resume point, it is possible to resume viewing the content from the position where playback was interrupted.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the resume information includes information related to the content (the end position of the content, the playback time from the resume point to the start of the commercial video, or the playback time from the resume point to the end of the commercial video, etc.) , The number of times resume points were used, access information (date and time when resume information was created, whether resume points can be used, whether resume information can be deleted, resume information used or updated For example, whether or not a password is required to be used or the name of the user who set the resume information), and other information set by the user. In the case of the present embodiment, these pieces of information are automatically included in the resume information, but may be input in response to a user input.

  FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of the resume point. In FIG. 3, both ends mean the beginning and end of the content, and the hatched portions indicate resume points. In the case of the present embodiment, the resume point means the point in time when the content reproduction is interrupted in principle. However, in some cases, it may mean a boundary between the main part of the content and the commercial immediately before or after the point at which the reproduction of the content is interrupted. In the case of this embodiment, the resume point may be the resuming point of reproduction. As apparent from FIG. 3, the resume point may exist at a plurality of locations of one content.

  FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the content reproduction apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, content reproduction apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment includes CPU (Central Processing Unit) 120, recording unit 122, communication interface 124, video interface 126, audio interface 128, and input interface. 130.

  CPU 120 controls each unit of content reproduction apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment. The CPU 120 is also a unit that performs calculations for the control. The recording unit 122 reads information from the recording medium 150. The recording unit 122 is also a unit that records information on the recording medium 150. Incidentally, in the case of the present embodiment, the recording medium 150 is a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory). Instead of the CD-ROM, a flash memory or other recording medium may be used, or a hard disk may be used. In the present embodiment, a CD-ROM is used. The recording unit 122 is also a unit that temporarily stores information read from the recording medium 150. The recording unit 122 is also a unit that stores a program for realizing the content reproduction apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment. In order to realize these functions, in the case of the present embodiment, the recording unit 122 includes a CD-ROM reader and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The communication interface 124 communicates with other content playback devices 50. The video interface 126 outputs video information to the television 52. The video interface 126 is also a unit that performs compression processing and decoding processing of video information. The audio interface 128 outputs audio information to the television 52. The audio interface 128 is also a unit that performs compression processing and decoding processing of audio information. The input interface 130 receives information input by generating a signal in response to a user operation.

  The content reproduction apparatus 50 is realized by computer hardware and software executed by the CPU 120. Generally, such software is stored and distributed in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, and is read from the recording medium by the recording unit 122 and temporarily stored in a hard disk (not shown). Further, it is read into the RAM and executed by the CPU 120 described above. The computer hardware itself is general. Therefore, the most essential part of the present invention is software recorded on the CD-ROM 84. Since the operation of the computer itself is well known, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the program executed by content reproduction device 50 performs the following control regarding content reproduction.

  In step S150, the CPU 120 operating as the additional information output control unit 104 controls the recording unit 122 operating as the recording unit 64 in response to a user instruction received by the input interface 130 operating as the additional information output control unit 104. To do. The recording unit 122 operating as the recording unit 64 reads the additional information recorded on the recording medium 150 under the control of the CPU 120.

  In step S152, CPU 120 operating as additional information output control unit 104 determines whether a sorting method is designated based on the value of the flag stored by itself. If it is determined that the sorting method is designated (YES in step S152), the process proceeds to step S154. If not (NO in step S152), the process proceeds to step S156.

  In step S154, the CPU 120 operating as the additional information output control unit 104 sorts the additional information read from the recording medium 150 by the recording unit 122 operating as the recording unit 64. When sorting, the order in which the additional information is rearranged is selected based on the flag value stored by the CPU 120 itself.

  In step S156, the CPU 120 operating as the additional information output control unit 104 is recorded on the recording medium 150 based on the information read from the recording medium 150 by the recording unit 122 operating as the recording unit 64 in step S150. It is determined whether additional information exists. If it is determined that additional information exists (YES in step S156), the process proceeds to step S158. If not (NO in step S156), the process proceeds to step S160.

  In step S158, the additional information output control unit 104 outputs the additional information sorted in step S154 to the television 52. This process corresponds to the process shown in FIG.

  In step S160, the resume information output control unit 82, the resume information creation unit 84, the resume information update unit 86, the resume information deletion control unit 88, the playback control unit 100, and the content selection unit 102 play back the content selected by the user. To do. This process corresponds to the process shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the program executed by content reproduction device 50 executes the following control regarding the display of supplementary information.

  In step S170, the CPU 120 operating as the additional information output control unit 104 refers to the additional information temporarily read and stored by the recording unit 122 operating as the recording unit 64 in step S150.

  In step S172, CPU 120 operating as additional information output control unit 104 determines whether to display a thumbnail based on the content of the additional information referenced in step S170. In the present embodiment, CPU 120 determines whether or not to display thumbnails based on whether or not thumbnail image information exists. If it is determined that a thumbnail is to be displayed (YES in step S172), the process proceeds to step S174. If not (NO in step S172), the process proceeds to step S176.

  In step S174, the video interface 126 operating as the additional information output control unit 104 outputs thumbnail image information to the television 52 in accordance with the control of the CPU 120 operating as the additional information output control unit 104.

  In step S176, CPU 120 operating as additional information output control unit 104 determines whether or not to display relative time based on the value of the flag stored by itself. In the present embodiment, “relative time” means an elapsed time after the start of content playback when the content is played back. If it is determined that the relative time is to be displayed (YES in step S176), the process proceeds to step S178. If not (NO in step S176), the process ends.

  In step S178, the video interface 126 that operates as the additional information output control unit 104, according to the control of the CPU 120 that operates as the additional information output control unit 104, displays information indicating the relative time among the additional information referred to in step S170. To 52.

  In step S180, the video interface 126 operating as the additional information output control unit 104 transmits the frequency information and other information from the additional information referred to in step S170 to the television according to the control of the CPU 120 operating as the additional information output control unit 104. To 52. Which information is output is selected by the CPU 120 operating as the additional information output control unit 104 based on the setting by the user.

  Referring to FIG. 7, the program executed by content reproduction device 50 performs the following control regarding content reproduction.

  In step S190, input interface 130 operating as content selection unit 102 accepts selection of content that the user desires to view.

  In step S192, the input interface 130 that operates as the content selection unit 102 outputs information indicating the content that the user desires to view to the CPU 120 that operates as the resume information output control unit 82. The recording unit 122 that operates as the recording unit 64 reads the resume information about the content that the user desires to view among the resume information recorded on the recording medium 150 in accordance with the control of the CPU 120 that operates as the resume information output control unit 82. . The recording unit 122 operating as the recording unit 64 temporarily stores the read resume information.

  In step S194, the recording unit 122 operating as the recording unit 64 outputs the information read in step S192 to the CPU 120 operating as the resume information output control unit 82. Thereby, information on the reproduction frequency of the content selected in step S190 is also output to CPU 120.

  In step S196, the CPU 120 operating as the resume information output control unit 82 determines whether there is resume information for the content selected in step S190 based on whether the recording unit 122 has output information in step S194. Judge whether or not. If it is determined that there is resume information (YES in step S196), the process proceeds to step S198. If not (NO in step S196), the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S198, CPU 120 operating as resume information output control unit 82 outputs position data indicating the resume point to television 52. The television 52 displays the position data. This process corresponds to the process of FIG. 9 described later.

  In step S200, the input interface 130 operating as the resume information update unit 86 receives a user instruction. For a predetermined period (in the case of the present embodiment, this time is a time defined in the program for realizing the content reproduction apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment) After the user's instruction is received, The CPU 120 operating as the resume information update unit 86 determines whether to synthesize resume points based on a user instruction. If it is determined that resume points are to be combined (YES in step S200), the process proceeds to step S202. If not (NO in step S200), the process proceeds to step S204.

  In step S202, the recording unit 122 operating as the recording unit 64 updates the resume information corresponding to the resume point designated by the user, under the control of the CPU 120 operating as the resume information updating unit 86. More specifically, the recording unit 122 operating as the recording unit 64 deletes the resume information corresponding to the resume point designated by the user, and then records the resume information created by the CPU 120 operating as the resume information updating unit 86. To do. The CPU 120 operating as the resume information update unit 86 creates the resume information based on the resume information corresponding to the resume point designated by the user.

  In step S204, the input interface 130 operating as the playback control unit 100 receives a user instruction. For a predetermined period (in the case of the present embodiment, this time is a time defined in the program for realizing the content reproduction apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment) After the user's instruction is received, The CPU 120 operating as the reproduction control unit 100 determines whether to reproduce the content from the beginning. CPU 120 determines whether or not to reproduce the content from the beginning based on whether the user's instruction is an instruction to reproduce the content with the designation of the reproduction start position or an instruction to reproduce the content without the designation of the reproduction start position. Judging. If it is determined that the content is to be reproduced from the beginning (YES in step S204), the process proceeds to step S206. If not (NO in step S204), the process proceeds to step S216.

  In step S206, the recording unit 122 that operates as the recording unit 64 reads the video information and audio information of the content that the user has instructed to reproduce in step S204, according to the control of the CPU 120 that operates as the reproduction control unit 100. Such information is read out from information corresponding to the beginning of the content. The read information is output to the CPU 120 that operates as the reproduction control unit 100. The CPU 120 outputs the information to the video interface 126 and the audio interface 128 that operate as the playback control unit 100. The video interface 126 and the audio interface 128 convert these information into signals that can be used by the television 52, and then output the converted signals to the television 52. The television 52 reproduces content based on those signals.

  In step S208, the CPU 120 that operates as the additional information update control unit 110 controls the recording unit 122 that operates as the recording unit 64 so as to update the frequency information of the content whose reproduction has started. When the frequency information is updated, the input interface 130 that operates as the reproduction control unit 100 receives a user instruction. For a predetermined period (in the case of the present embodiment, this time is a time defined in the program for realizing the content reproduction apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment) After the user's instruction is received, The CPU 120 operating as the playback control unit 100 determines whether or not to stop playback of content based on a user instruction. If it is determined that the content reproduction is to be stopped (YES in step S208), the process proceeds to step S210. If not (NO in step S208), the process proceeds to step S214.

  In step S210, the recording unit 122 that operates as the recording unit 64 stops reading the video information and audio information of the content that the user has instructed to reproduce in step S204, according to the control of the CPU 120 that operates as the reproduction control unit 100. . When reading of the information is stopped, the CPU 120 operating as the resume information creation unit 84 creates resume information based on the point in time when the playback control unit 100 stops playing the content. This process corresponds to the process of FIG. When the resume information is created, the CPU 120 that operates as the assembly creation unit 118 outputs the information to the recording unit 122 that operates as the recording unit 64. The recording unit 122 operating as the recording unit 64 additionally records the information on the recording medium 150.

  In step S212, the input interface 130 that operates as the content information erasure control unit 108 receives a user instruction. Information indicating the user's instruction is output to the CPU 120 operating as the content information erasure control unit 108. CPU 120 stores the information in its own buffer. For a predetermined period (in the case of the present embodiment, this time is a time defined in the program for realizing the content reproduction apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment) After the user's instruction is received, The recording unit 122 that operates as the recording unit 64 deletes the resume information or the video information and audio information of the content in accordance with the control of the CPU 120 that operates as the resume information deletion control unit 88 or the content information deletion control unit 108. This process corresponds to the process of FIG.

  In step S214, CPU 120 operating as playback control unit 100 determines whether or not content playback has ended based on the operation of recording unit 122 operating as recording unit 64. If it is determined that the content reproduction has ended (YES in step S214), the process proceeds to step S212. If not (NO in step S214), the process proceeds to step S208.

  In step S216, the recording unit 122 that operates as the recording unit 64 reads video information and audio information of the content that the user has instructed to reproduce in step S204, under the control of the CPU 120 that operates as the reproduction control unit 100. Such information is read from information corresponding to the reproduction start position designated by the user in step S204. The read information is output to the CPU 120 that operates as the reproduction control unit 100. The CPU 120 outputs the information to the video interface 126 and the audio interface 128 that operate as the playback control unit 100. The video interface 126 and the audio interface 128 convert these information into signals that can be used by the television 52, and then output the converted signals to the television 52. The television 52 reproduces content based on those signals.

  FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing that content playback can be started from the resume point. In FIG. 8, both ends mean the beginning and end of the content, and the hatched portions indicate resume points. The user designates the start position of reproduction by designating one of a plurality of resume points via the input interface 130.

  Referring to FIG. 9, the program executed by content reproduction device 50 executes the following control regarding the display of additional information.

  In step S220, CPU 120 operating as resume information output control unit 82 refers to the value of the flag regarding the display method stored by itself.

  In step S220, the CPU 120 operating as the resume information output control unit 82 displays the position of the resume point in a band form (the band display will be specifically described separately) based on the flag value referenced in step S220. Judge whether or not. If it is determined that the position of the resume point is displayed in a band (YES in step S222), the process proceeds to step S224. If not (NO in step S222), the process proceeds to step S226.

  In step S224, the video interface 126 that operates as the resume information output control unit 82 outputs image data for displaying the position of the resume point to the television 52 in accordance with the control of the CPU 120 that operates as the resume information output control unit 82. To do. The television 52 displays the position of the resume point in a strip shape based on the information.

  In step S226, the video interface 126 that operates as the resume information output control unit 82 displays the position of the resume point in a block display according to the control of the CPU 120 that operates as the resume information output control unit 82. Image data to be output to the television 52. The television 52 displays the position of the resume point as a block based on the information.

  Referring to FIG. 10, the program executed by content reproduction device 50 executes the following control with respect to creation of a resume point.

  In step S230, the recording unit 122 that operates as the recording unit 64, according to the control of the CPU 120 that operates as the resume information creation unit 84, of the resume information recorded on the recording medium 150, the content of which playback has been interrupted in step S210. Resume information corresponding to is read. The recording unit 122 operating as the recording unit 64 temporarily stores the read resume information.

  In step S232, CPU 120 operating as reading unit 112 determines whether there is system information based on the resume information temporarily stored in recording unit 122. If it is determined that there is system information (YES in step S232), the process proceeds to step S234. If not (NO in step S232), the process proceeds to step S240.

  In step S234, CPU 120 operating as reading unit 112 reads the system information from the resume information temporarily stored in recording unit 122 in step S230. When the system information is read, the CPU 120 operating as the identification information creating unit 114 selects the number of resume information to be newly created based on the resume information temporarily stored by the recording unit 122. When a number is selected, CPU 120 operating as identification information creation unit 114 creates identification information indicating the number.

  In step S236, the position data creation unit 116 selects the position of the resume point and creates position data indicating the position. This process corresponds to the process of FIG.

  In step S238, the CPU 120 operating as the assembly creating unit 118 creates resume information by combining the information obtained through the processing up to step S236.

  In step S240, the recording unit 122 operating as the recording unit 64 reads the system information recorded on the recording medium 150 according to the control of the CPU 120 operating as the reading unit 112. When the system information is read, the CPU 120 operating as the reading unit 112 creates system information about the content whose reproduction is interrupted in step S210 based on the read system information. This system information is created so that the content whose reproduction has been interrupted in step S210 can be identified. When the system information is created, the CPU 120 operating as the identification information creation unit 114 creates identification information indicating that it is the first.

  Referring to FIG. 11, the program executed by content reproduction device 50 executes the following control regarding the selection of the position of the resume point.

  In step S250, CPU 120 operating as detection unit 1160 detects a relative time in the content at the time when the reproduction of the content is interrupted.

  In step S252, CPU 120 operating as detection unit 1160 determines whether or not the audio information corresponding to the reproduction interruption point detected in step S250 indicates stereo audio. If it is determined that stereo sound is indicated (YES in step S252), the process proceeds to step S254. If not (NO in step S252), the process proceeds to step S256.

  In step S254, CPU 120 operating as detection unit 1160 detects a boundary between stereo sound and monaural sound from the sound information already output. For this purpose, the CPU 120 that operates as the detection unit 1160 controls the recording unit 122 that operates as the recording unit 64 so as to read the audio information recorded on the recording medium 150. When the recording unit 122 reads the audio information, the CPU 120 operating as the detection unit 1160 detects the boundary based on the information.

  In step S256, the CPU 120 operating as the detection unit 1160 detects a boundary between stereo audio and monaural audio from unoutput audio information. For this purpose, the CPU 120 that operates as the detection unit 1160 controls the recording unit 122 that operates as the recording unit 64 so as to read the audio information recorded on the recording medium 150. When the recording unit 122 reads the audio information, the CPU 120 operating as the detection unit 1160 detects the boundary based on the information.

  In step S258, it operates as the boundary data creation unit 1162 or the designated point data creation unit 1164 (whether it operates as the boundary data creation unit 1162 or the designated point data creation unit 1164 depends on a user instruction or a default value) CPU 120 selects a resume point. Which time point is selected as the resume point is determined based on whether the CPU 120 operates as the boundary data generation unit 1162 or the instruction point data generation unit 1164 and the flag value stored by the CPU 120. When the CPU 120 operates as the designated point data creation unit 1164, the time point when the reproduction is interrupted is selected as the resume point. When the CPU 120 operates as the boundary data creation unit 1162, the boundary corresponding to the flag value stored by the CPU 120 is selected from the boundary where the sound changes from the stereo system to the monaural system and the boundary where the sound is changed from the monaural system to the stereo system. Selected as a point. When the resume point is selected, the CPU 120 operating as the boundary data creating unit 1162 or the designated point data creating unit 1164 creates position data corresponding to the resume point selected by itself.

  Referring to FIG. 12, the program executed by content reproduction device 50 according to the present embodiment performs the following control regarding deletion of resume information and the like.

  In step S260, CPU 120 operating as content information deletion control unit 108 determines whether or not the content deletion information is stored by itself. In the present embodiment, the content deletion information is information indicating that an instruction to delete some information is included in the information indicating a user instruction. If it is determined that the content deletion information is stored by itself (YES in step S260), the process proceeds to step S262. If not (NO in step S260), the process ends.

  In step S262, the CPU 120 operating as the content information erasure control unit 108 means that the content deletion information stored by itself deletes video information and audio information for the specified content together with an instruction indicated by the content deletion information. Judge whether to do. If it is determined that it means deletion of such information (YES in step S262), the process proceeds to step S264. If not (NO in step S262), the process proceeds to step S268.

  In step S264, the recording unit 122 operating as the recording unit 64 reads additional information about the specified content together with an instruction indicated by the content deletion information, under the control of the CPU 120 operating as the content information erasing control unit 108. In this step, information indicating the presence / absence of content lock is read out from the additional information. Information indicating the presence / absence of content lock is output to CPU 120 operating as content information erasure control unit 108. When the information is output, CPU 120 operating as content information erasure control unit 108 determines whether or not content deletion is prohibited based on the information. If it is determined that content deletion is prohibited (YES in step S64), the process ends. Otherwise (NO in step S264), CPU 120 operating as content information erasure control unit 108 sets the value of the flag indicating information to be deleted among the flags stored therein to “1”. When the flag value is set, the process proceeds to step S266.

  In step S266, CPU 120 operating as content information erasure control unit 108 and resume information erasure control unit 88 refers to the value of a flag indicating information to be deleted among the flags stored therein. When the value of the referenced flag is “1”, the recording unit 122 operating as the recording unit 64 follows the control of the CPU 120 operating as the content information erasing control unit 108 for the content specified together with the instruction indicated by the content deletion information. The video information, audio information, and additional information are deleted. When the value of the referenced flag is “0”, the recording unit 122 operating as the recording unit 64 follows the control indicated by the content deletion information in accordance with the control of the CPU 120 operating as the resume information erasing control unit 88. Delete information.

  In step S268, CPU 120 operating as resume information deletion control unit 88 determines whether or not the content deletion information stored by itself means deletion of the resume information specified together with the instruction indicated by the content deletion information. If it is determined that it means deletion of resume information (YES in step S268), the process proceeds to step S270. Otherwise (NO in step S268), the process proceeds to step S278.

  In step S270, CPU 120 operating as resume information erasure control unit 88 determines whether there is a range specification for resume information to be deleted based on the content deletion information stored by itself. If it is determined that there is a range designation (YES in step S270), the process proceeds to step S272. Otherwise (NO in step S270), the process proceeds to step S276.

  In step S272, CPU 120 operating as resume information erasure control unit 88 specifies resume information to be deleted based on the contents of the range specification.

  In step S274, the recording unit 122 operating as the recording unit 64 reads the resume information specified by the CPU 120 in step S272 in accordance with the control of the CPU 120 operating as the resume information erasing control unit 88. The read resume information is output to the CPU 120 that operates as the resume information erasure control unit 88. The CPU 120 operating as the resume information erasure control unit 88 is prohibited from deleting any of the resume information identified in step S272 based on the resume information output to itself (resume information is locked). Determine whether or not. If it is determined that the resume information is locked (YES in step S274), the process ends. Otherwise (NO in step 274), CPU 120 operating as resume information erasure control unit 88 sets the value of a flag indicating information to be deleted among the flags stored therein to “0”. When the flag value is set, the process proceeds to step S266.

  In step S276, the recording unit 122 operating as the recording unit 64 reads the resume information specified together with the instruction indicated by the content deletion information, under the control of the CPU 120 operating as the resume information erasing control unit 88. The read resume information is output to the CPU 120 that operates as the resume information erasure control unit 88. The CPU 120 operating as the resume information erasure control unit 88 is prohibited from deleting specified resume information together with an instruction indicated by the content deletion information based on the resume information output to itself (resume information is locked). ) Or not. If it is determined that the resume information is locked (YES in step S276), the process ends. Otherwise (NO in step S276), CPU 120 operating as resume information erasure control unit 88 sets the value of a flag indicating information to be deleted among the flags stored therein to “0”. When the flag value is set, the process proceeds to step S266.

  In step S278, CPU 120 operating as resume information update unit 86 determines whether or not the content deletion information stored by itself means updating of resume information. If it is determined that it means updating of resume information (YES in step S278), the process proceeds to step S280. If not (NO in step S278), the process ends.

  In step S280, CPU 120 operating as resume information update unit 86 specifies resume information included in the designated range together with the instruction indicated by the content deletion information.

  In step S282, CPU 120 operating as reading unit 140 reads the system information, identification information, and position data of the resume information specified in step S280. When the system information, the identification information, and the position data are read, the CPU 120 operating as the detection unit 142 detects the boundary between the main part and the commercial included in the next portion of the content based on the read position data. To do. The part is a part where the resume points indicated by the resume information specified in step S280 are distributed. When the boundary is detected, the CPU 120 operating as the assembly creation unit 144 creates resume information described below. The system information of the resume information is the system information read by the reading unit 140. The identification information of the resume information is information indicating the smallest number among the identification information read by the reading unit 140. The position data of the resume information is position data indicating one of the boundary detected by the detection unit 142 and the boundary closest to the beginning of the content and the boundary closest to the end of the content. Which boundary indicates the position data is a predetermined value (in the case of this embodiment, this value is a value defined in the program for realizing the content reproduction device 50 according to this embodiment). Corresponds to). When the resume information is created, the CPU 120 operating as the update control unit 146 deletes the resume information specified in step S280 from the information recorded on the recording medium 150, and the newly created resume information is recorded on the recording medium. The recording unit 122 that operates as the recording unit 64 is controlled so as to record in 150.

  The operation of the content reproduction apparatus 50 based on the above structure and flowchart will be described.

[When viewing the content halfway and then viewing the rest of the content at a later date]
The recording unit 122 reads the additional information recorded on the recording medium 150 according to the control of the CPU 120 (step S150).

  When the additional information is read, CPU 120 determines whether or not a sorting method is designated (step S152). In this case, if a sorting method is designated (YES in step S152), CPU 120 sorts the additional information read from recording medium 150 by recording unit 122 (step S154).

  When the additional information is sorted, CPU 120 determines whether there is additional information recorded on recording medium 150 (step S156). In this case, if additional information exists (YES in step S156), CPU 120 refers to the additional information that is read and temporarily stored by recording unit 122 in step S150 (step S170).

  When the additional information is referred to, the CPU 120 determines whether or not to display the thumbnail based on the content of the additional information (step S172). In this case, if the thumbnail is not displayed (NO in step S172), CPU 120 determines whether or not to display the relative time based on the value of the flag stored by itself (step S176). In this case, when the relative time is displayed (YES in step S176), video interface 126 outputs information indicating the relative time among the additional information referred in step S170 to television 52 (step S178). Thereafter, the video interface 126 outputs frequency information and other information to the television 52 (step S180). When these pieces of information are output, the television 52 displays these pieces of information.

  FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a display form when additional information is displayed on the screen of the television 52 as a result of this processing. Although the characters “content” are shown in FIG. 13, relative time, frequency information, and the like for each content are displayed on the actual screen.

  When the information indicating the relative time is output, the input interface 130 receives selection of content that the user desires to view (step S190).

  When the selection of the content is accepted, the recording unit 122 reads the resume information about the content that the user desires to view among the resume information recorded on the recording medium 150 in accordance with the control of the CPU 120 (step S192).

  When the resume information is read, the recording unit 122 outputs the read resume information to the CPU 120 (step S194).

  When the resume information is output, CPU 120 determines whether there is resume information for the content selected in step S190 (step S196). In this case, if there is no resume information (NO in step S196), the recording unit 122 reads the video information and audio information of the content that the user has instructed to reproduce in step S204 from the information corresponding to the beginning of the content. The CPU 120 outputs the information to the video interface 126 and the audio interface 128. The video interface 126 and the audio interface 128 convert these information into signals that can be used by the television 52, and then output the converted signals to the television 52. The television 52 reproduces content based on those signals (step S206).

  When the reproduction of the content is started, the CPU 120 controls the recording unit 122 so as to update the frequency information of the content for which the reproduction has been started. When the frequency information is updated, the input interface 130 receives a user instruction during the reproduction of the content. After receiving the user's instruction for a predetermined period, the CPU 120 determines whether or not to stop the content reproduction based on the user's instruction (step S208). Initially, since it is determined that the reproduction of the content is not stopped (NO in step S208), CPU 120 determines whether the reproduction of the content has ended (step S214). Initially, the reproduction of the content does not end (NO in step S214), so that the process of step S208 and the process of step S214 are repeated.

  Thereafter, when it is determined that the reproduction of the content is to be stopped in response to the instruction from the user (YES in step S208), the recording unit 122 displays the video information of the content instructed by the user in step S204 Stop reading audio information. When reading of the information is stopped, the recording unit 122 reads the resume information corresponding to the content whose reproduction is interrupted in step S210 out of the resume information recorded in the recording medium 150 (step S230). When the resume information is read, the CPU 120 determines whether there is system information based on the resume information temporarily stored in the recording unit 122 (step S232). In this case, if there is no system information (NO in step S232), recording unit 122 reads the system information recorded on recording medium 150. When the system information is read, CPU 120 creates system information about the content whose reproduction is interrupted in step S210. When the system information is created, the CPU 120 creates identification information indicating that it is No. 1 (step S240).

  When the system information and the identification information are created, the CPU 120 detects the relative time when the reproduction of the content is interrupted (step S250). When the relative time is detected, CPU 120 determines whether or not the audio information corresponding to the reproduction interruption point detected in step S250 indicates stereo audio (step S252). In this case, the audio information corresponding to the point at which playback is interrupted does not indicate stereo audio (in many cases, commercials are broadcast in stereo audio, and the main part of the program is broadcast in monaural audio. If the audio information corresponding to the time point does not indicate stereo audio, this means that the playback is interrupted in the middle of the main part of the program.) (NO in step S252), CPU 120 does not output The boundary between the stereo sound and the monaural sound is detected from the sound information (step S256).

  When the boundary is detected, the CPU 120 selects a resume point. When the resume point is selected, the CPU 120 creates position data corresponding to the resume point selected by the CPU 120 (step S258).

  When the position data is created, the CPU 120 creates resume information by combining the information obtained through the processing up to step S236. When the resume information is created, the recording unit 122 additionally records the information on the recording medium 150 (step S238).

  When the resume information is additionally recorded, the input interface 130 receives a user instruction. After receiving the user's instruction for a predetermined period, CPU 120 determines whether or not the content deletion information is stored by itself (step S260). In this case, if such information is not stored (NO in step S260), reproduction is temporarily terminated.

  Thereafter, in accordance with a user instruction, the CPU 120 determines whether there is additional information recorded on the recording medium 150 through the processes of steps S150 to S156 (step S156). In this case, since additional information exists (YES in step S156), the video interface 126 displays information indicating the relative time among the additional information referred to in step S170 through the processing in steps S170 to S176. (Step S178).

  When the information indicating the relative time is output, the CPU 120 determines whether there is resume information for the content selected in step S190 through the processing in steps S190 to S194 (step S196). In this case, since there is resume information (YES in step S196), CPU 120 refers to the value of the flag regarding the display method (step S220).

  When the value of the flag is referred to, the CPU 120 determines whether or not to display the resume point position in a strip form based on the value of the flag (step S220). In this case, if it is determined that no band-like display is performed (NO in step S222), video interface 126 outputs image data for block display of the position of the resume point to television 52. Based on the information, the television 52 blocks and displays the position of the resume point (step S226).

  FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing a display form on the television 52 when the television 52 performs block display of the position of the resume point. In this case, originally, there is only one resume point, but FIG. 14 shows a display form when a plurality of resume points are set. In the part displayed as “content” in FIG. 14, the title of the program and other additional information are displayed. Such additional information is output as part of the image data output in step S226. The CPU 120 controls the video interface 126 so that the additional information is output using the additional information temporarily stored in step S150. In FIG. 14, the position of the resume point is displayed in a portion where “resume point” is displayed. Incidentally, in the case of the present embodiment, the position of the resume point is displayed, but it goes without saying that thumbnails and other information may be displayed in addition to the position of the resume point.

  When the position data is displayed, the input interface 130 receives a user instruction. After receiving the user's instruction for a predetermined period, CPU 120 determines whether or not to synthesize resume points based on the user's instruction (step S200). In this case, if resume points are not combined (NO in step S200), input interface 130 accepts a user instruction. After receiving the user's instruction for a predetermined period, the CPU 120 determines whether or not to reproduce the content from the beginning (step S204). In this case, when the content is reproduced from the resume point (NO in step S204), the recording unit 122 and the like reproduce the content that the user has instructed to reproduce in step S204. The content is started from the start position designated by the user in step S204 (step S216).

  When the reproduction of the content is started, the CPU 120 controls the recording unit 122 so as to update the frequency information of the content for which the reproduction has been started. When the frequency information is updated, the input interface 130 receives a user instruction. After receiving the user's instruction for a predetermined period, the CPU 120 determines whether or not to stop the content reproduction based on the user's instruction (step S208). Initially, since it is determined that the reproduction of the content is not stopped (NO in step S208), CPU 120 determines whether the reproduction of the content has ended (step S214). Initially, the reproduction of the content does not end (NO in step S214), so that the process of step S208 and the process of step S214 are repeated.

  Thereafter, when it is determined that the reproduction of the content is to be stopped in response to an instruction from the user (YES in step S208), recording unit 122 or the like reproduces the content instructed by the user in step S204. Stop.

  When the reproduction is stopped, through the process of step S230, the CPU 120 determines whether there is system information based on the resume information temporarily stored by the recording unit 122 (step S232). In this case, if there is system information (YES in step S232), CPU 120 selects a number of resume information to be newly created based on the resume information temporarily stored in recording unit 122 in step S230. When a number is selected, CPU 120 operating as identification information creation unit 114 creates identification information indicating the number (step S234).

  When the identification information is created, the CPU 120 synthesizes the information obtained through the processes up to step S236 through the processes of step S250, step S252, step S256, and step S258, thereby creating resume information. When the resume information is created, the recording unit 122 additionally records the information on the recording medium 150 (step S238).

  When the resume information is additionally recorded, the input interface 130 receives a user instruction. After receiving the user's instruction for a predetermined period, CPU 120 determines whether or not the content deletion information is stored by itself (step S260). In this case, if such information is not stored (NO in step S260), reproduction ends again.

[When updating resume information once created]
Through the processing up to step S238, the input interface 130 receives a user instruction. After receiving the user's instruction for a predetermined period, CPU 120 determines whether or not the content deletion information is stored by itself (step S260). In this case, if content deletion information is stored (YES in step S260), CPU 120 determines whether content deletion information means that video information or audio information is deleted (step S262). . In this case, if it does not mean that such information is deleted (NO in step S262), CPU 120 determines whether or not the content deletion information means deletion of resume information (step S262). In this case, if deletion of resume information is not meant (NO in step S268), the process proceeds to step S278. CPU 120 determines whether or not the content deletion information means updating of resume information (step S278). In this case, if it means updating the resume information (YES in step S278), CPU 120 specifies resume information included in the designated range together with the instruction indicated by the content deletion information (step S280).

  When the resume information is identified, the CPU 120 creates resume information, deletes the resume information identified in step S280 from the information recorded on the recording medium 150, and newly creates the resume information. In step S282, the recording unit 122 is controlled so as to record.

[When playback is resumed from the beginning or end of a commercial if playback is interrupted in the middle of a commercial]
Through the processing up to step S256, the CPU 120 selects a resume point. When the resume point is selected, the CPU 120 creates position data corresponding to the resume point selected by the CPU 120 (step S258). In this case, the CPU 120 operates as the boundary data creation unit 1162, and the boundary where the sound changes from the stereo system to the monaural system is selected as the resume point. When the resume point is selected, the CPU 120 operating as the boundary data creating unit 1162 or the designated point data creating unit 1164 creates position data corresponding to the resume point selected by itself. When the position data is created, the CPU 120 creates resume information by combining the information obtained through the processing up to step S236. When the resume information is created, the recording unit 122 additionally records the information on the recording medium 150 (step S238).

[When displaying strips]
After the processing up to step S196, the CPU 120 determines whether or not to display the resume point position in a strip form (step S220). In this case, if it is determined that the band display is to be performed (YES in step S222), video interface 126 outputs image data for displaying the position of the resume point to band 52. The television 52 displays the position of the resume point in a strip shape based on the information (step S224).

  FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing a display form on the television 52 when the television 52 displays the resume point position in a strip shape. In the portion displayed as “content” in FIG. 15, the program title and other additional information are displayed. Such additional information is output as part of the image data output in step S226. The CPU 120 controls the video interface 126 so that the additional information is output using the additional information temporarily stored in step S150. In FIG. 15, the relative time of the resume point is displayed in the portion where “resume information” is displayed. Incidentally, in the case of the present embodiment, the relative time of the resume point is displayed, but it goes without saying that thumbnails and other information may be displayed in addition to the position of the resume point.

  As described above, the content reproduction device 50 according to the present embodiment does not update the content of the resume information every time content reproduction is interrupted, but additionally records new resume information. FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement of resume points when the user views the content halfway once and then views the remaining part of the content at a later date. In FIG. 16, both ends mean the beginning and end of the content, and the hatched portions indicate resume points. As can be seen from FIG. 16, after a plurality of users watch the content at the same time, even if some of those users watch the continuation, the resume information indicating the point of time when the viewing was first interrupted is not erased, and therefore remains The user can watch the continuation from the point of time when viewing is first interrupted. As a result, even when a plurality of users can operate, it is possible to provide a content reproduction apparatus and a content reproduction system that allow these users to efficiently view content without complicated user management.

  In addition, content reproduction device 50 according to the present embodiment includes system information, identification information, and position data as resume information. This facilitates the construction of a user interface that takes into account the convenience of the user for accepting a playback instruction.

  In addition, the content playback device 50 according to the present embodiment does not use the point at which playback is interrupted as a resume point, but uses the resume point as a commercial start or end based on a preset value. can do. FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement of resume points when the point at which playback is interrupted is a resume point. FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement of resume points when the end of a commercial is taken as a resume point. In FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, as in FIG. 16, both ends mean the beginning and end of the content, and hatched portions indicate resume points. Resume points can be set at the start and end of commercials, so you can watch the main video as soon as playback starts, or you can play the commercials in advance and earn time to prepare for viewing .

  Moreover, the content reproduction apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment can output frequency information. Thereby, the television 52 can display the frequency information. Since the frequency information is displayed, it is possible to provide the user with information for determining whether or not to delete the content with a low viewing frequency.

  In addition, the content reproduction device 50 according to the present embodiment can update the resume information so that a plurality of resume points are combined into one resume point by the processing in step S282 and the like. As a result, the resume points indicating substantially the same positions can be organized, so that the user can easily select the playback start position.

  Note that in the first modification of the present embodiment, the communication interface 124 may be in charge of all the processes for receiving user instructions and the like, which are handled by the input interface 130. In this case, the communication interface 124 receives a user instruction or the like by receiving a signal indicating the user instruction or the like. In the case of this modification, the communication interface 124 may transmit the resume information instead of the video interface 126 outputting to the television 52. In this case, the communication interface 124 outputs the resume information by transmitting the resume information. In this case, instead of controlling the video interface 126 to output resume information, the CPU 120 controls the communication interface 124 to transmit resume information. In the case of this modified example, the CPU 120 and other units constituting the content reproduction device 50 may perform the above-described control based on an instruction received by at least one of the input interface 130 and the communication interface 124. In the case of this modification, the content playback device 50 can be remotely controlled, so that convenience for the user is improved.

  Further, in the second modification of the present embodiment, the communication interface 124 may not be included in the content reproduction device 50. In this case, the communication unit 66 may not be included in the content reproduction device 50.

  In the third modification of the present embodiment, when playback is started from the resume point and played back to the end, the resume information indicating the playback start point may be deleted. In this case, if the additional information includes information instructing to delete the resume information indicating the start point of reproduction when the content is viewed to the end, the resume information may be deleted. Alternatively, when a certain period elapses after the resume information is created, the resume information may be deleted. FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram showing that resume information is deleted in these cases. In FIG. 19, as in FIG. 16, both ends mean the beginning and end of the content. However, in FIG. 19, not only the hatched part but also the part surrounded by a broken line shows the resume information. The hatched portion indicates resume information that has not been deleted yet. A portion surrounded by a broken line indicates resume information that has already been deleted. In the case of FIG. 19, the left portion of the portion surrounded by the broken line indicates that the resume information has been deleted because a certain period has elapsed after the resume information was created. The portion on the right side indicates that the resume information has been deleted because the playback has been completed to the end of the content.

  Further, in the fourth modification example of the present embodiment, the method for designating the reproduction start position is not particularly limited. For example, a plurality of resume points may be selected at once. In this case, how to specify the playback start position is not particularly limited. For example, a resume point closest to the end of the content among a plurality of resume points may be set as the playback start position. FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram showing this. In FIG. 20, both ends mean the beginning and end of the content, and the hatched portions indicate resume points. A resume point surrounded by a circle indicates a resume point selected by the user. Among the resume points, the resume point to which an arrow is attached is the resume point closest to the end of the content among the resume points selected by the user, and is a resume point indicating the start position of reproduction.

  In the fifth modification example of the present embodiment, a plurality of resume points designated by the user may be regarded as indicating a reproduction start position and a reproduction end position. In this case, the designation of the reproduction end position is considered that the designation that should be accepted in step S208 is accepted in advance in step S216. FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram showing this. In FIG. 21, both ends mean the beginning and end of the content, and the hatched portions indicate resume points. A resume point surrounded by a circle indicates a resume point selected by the user. Among those resume points, the resume point with an upward arrow is considered to indicate the start position of reproduction. A resume point with a downward arrow is considered to indicate the end position of playback.

  Further, in the sixth modification example of the present embodiment, a plurality of resume points designated by the user may be regarded as indicating portions that are not reproduced in the content. In this case, it is considered that the reproduction start position and end position are specified twice (the second end position is the end of the content) at once. FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram showing this. In FIG. 22, both ends mean the beginning and end of the content, and the hatched portions indicate resume points. A resume point surrounded by a circle indicates a resume point selected by the user. A horizontal arrow indicates a portion to be reproduced.

  Further, in the seventh modification example of the present embodiment, the system information may be associated with a color. Instead of the system information associated with the color, the resume information may include information indicating the color. In the former case, the system information may be output as a signal indicating the display color on the television 52 in steps S224 and S226. In this case, the resume information displayed on the television 52 indicates the system information by the display color. FIG. 23 is a conceptual diagram showing a display form of block display when system information is shown as a color. In FIG. 23, the arrangement of each resume point in the content is indicated by the position of the frame, and the system to which each resume information belongs is indicated by the color inside the frame. In the case of this modification, when a plurality of pieces of resume information are updated to one piece of resume information, the frame displayed on the television 52 can be divided into a plurality of colors. For this purpose, it is necessary that the resume information includes a plurality of pieces of system information, and that when the resume information is output to the television 52, the resume information is converted into image information indicating a frame painted with a plurality of colors. Become. 24 and 25 are conceptual diagrams showing this. In FIG. 24, two frames surrounded by a broken line indicate resume information before being updated. In FIG. 25, a frame in which the characters “red” and “green” are written in one frame indicates a frame that is painted with a plurality of colors. The resume information after this frame is updated is shown.

  Further, in the eighth modification example of the present embodiment, the system information and the identification information may be associated with a color and its shade. Instead of system information and identification information being associated with colors and shades thereof, the resume information may include information indicating a color corresponding to a combination of system information and identification information. In this case, in step S224 and step S226, the system information and the identification information may be output as a signal indicating the display color on the television 52 and its shade. In this case, the resume information displayed on the television 52 indicates the system information and the identification information by the display color and its shade. FIG. 26 is a conceptual diagram showing a display form of block display when the system information and the identification information are shown as colors and shades thereof. In FIG. 26, the arrangement of each resume point in the content is indicated by the position of the frame, the system to which each resume information belongs is indicated by the color inside the frame, and the identification information of each resume information is a shade of color. Indicated by. In the case of this modification, it is assumed that the color of the resume information created later is lighter.

  In the ninth modification of the present embodiment, the system information may be associated with the color, and the elapsed time from when the resume information was created may be associated with the color shading. In this case, the system information may be output as a signal indicating the display color on the television 52 in steps S224 and S226. In this case, the resume information displayed on the television 52 indicates the system information by the display color, and indicates the elapsed time from when the resume information was created by the shading. In the case of this modification, the user can visually know the length of time that has elapsed after the resume information is created, so the user can easily determine from which resume point to start playback.

  Further, in the tenth modification of the present embodiment, the resume information may not be a combination of the various types of information described above. For example, the resume information may be information including only data indicating the start position of reproduction.

  Further, in the eleventh modification of the present embodiment, the position data of the resume information created in step S282 may not be position data indicating the boundary detected by the detection unit 142. For example, it may be position data that accepts a resume point designation from the user and indicates the resume point. It may be position data indicating a resume point closest to the beginning of the content among the resume points indicated by the resume information to be deleted. It may be position data indicating a resume point closest to the end of the content among the resume points indicated by the resume information to be deleted. It may be position data indicating the resume point that the user last deleted, among the resume points indicated by the resume information to be deleted. It may be position data indicating an intermediate point between the resume point closest to the beginning of the content and the resume point closest to the end of the content among the resume points indicated by the resume information to be deleted.

  Further, in the twelfth modification of the present embodiment, the resume information to be deleted in step S282 does not have to be information specified by the user. For example, resume information to be deleted may be selected based on a resume point received from a user.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is a configuration diagram of a content reproduction system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of the content reproduction apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the resume point which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a hardware block diagram of the content reproduction apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the reproduction | regeneration processing of the content which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the display process of the additional information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the reproduction | regeneration processing which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows that the reproduction | regeneration of a content can be started from the resume point which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the selection process of the display method which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the production | generation process of the resume information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the selection process of the resume point which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the deletion process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the display form of the additional information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the display form of the block display which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the display form of the strip | belt-shaped display which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement of resume points when a user views a part of the content at a later date after the user views the content halfway through the content playback apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the arrangement | positioning of resume point when the point which the reproduction | regeneration was interrupted itself is made into the resume point in the content reproduction apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the arrangement | positioning of a resume point when the time of completion | finish of a commercial is made into a resume point in the content reproduction apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows that a resume point can be deleted in the content reproduction apparatus which concerns on the 3rd modification of embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows that the resume point nearest to the end of content may be made into the start position of reproduction | regeneration among several resume points based on the 4th modification of embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows that the some resume point designated by the user according to the 5th modification of embodiment of this invention may be considered to show the reproduction | regeneration start position and the reproduction | regeneration end position. It is a conceptual diagram which shows that the some resume point which the user designated based on the 6th modification of embodiment of this invention may be considered as showing the part which is not reproduced | regenerated among content. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the display form of a block display in the case of showing system | strain information as a color based on the 7th modification of embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st conceptual diagram which shows the display form of a block display when the some resume information is updated to one resume information based on the 7th modification of embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd conceptual diagram which shows the display form of a block display when several resume information is updated to one resume information based on the 7th modification of embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the display form of a block display in the case of showing the system | strain information and identification information as a color and its shading based on the 8th modification of embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  50 content playback device, 52 TV, 60 resume information management unit, 62 content management unit, 64 recording unit, 66 communication unit, 80 resume information recording control unit, 82 resume information output control unit, 84 resume information creation unit, 86 resume information Update section, 88 resume information erasure control section, 90 resume information selection section, 92 resume information input section, 100 playback control section, 102 content selection section, 104 additional information output control section, 106 content information recording control section, 108 content information erasure Control unit, 110 Additional information update control unit, 112, 140 Reading unit, 114 Identification information creation unit, 116 Position data creation unit, 118, 144 Assembly creation unit, 120 CPU, 122 Recording unit, 124 Communication interface, 126 Video in Over the face, 128 audio interface, 130 an input interface, 142,1160 detection unit, 146 update control unit, 150 recording medium, 1162 boundary data creation unit, 1164 designated point data generator.

Claims (9)

Accumulation means for accumulating video information indicating video constituting the content, audio information indicating audio constituting the content, and resume information indicating a reproduction start position in the content;
Receiving means for receiving an instruction to reproduce the content and an instruction to interrupt the reproduction;
Output means for outputting the resume information and the video information and the audio information stored by the storage means;
Control means for controlling the storage means and the output means,
The control means includes
Output control means for controlling the storage means and the output means so as to output the resume information;
When the accepting unit accepts the instruction to reproduce the content, the instruction to reproduce the content is obtained from information corresponding to the beginning of the content when the instruction to reproduce the content lacks designation of a reproduction start position. The storage means for outputting the video information and audio information of the content according to the order of the video and the audio in the content from information corresponding to the start position of the reproduction when designation of the reproduction start position is involved. Reproduction control means for controlling the output means;
When the accepting unit accepts the playback interruption instruction while the output unit outputs the video information and audio information of the content, it corresponds to the time when the accepting unit accepts the reproduction interruption instruction. Resume information creating means for creating the resume information;
In addition to the information accumulated before the reception means accepts the reproduction interruption instruction, the resume information created by the resume information creation means is accumulated after the reproduction interruption instruction is accepted by the reception means. And an additional control means for controlling the storage means. The resume information stored by the storage means includes system information indicating a system to which the resume information belongs, identification information for identifying information belonging to the same system, and position data indicating a value corresponding to a reproduction start position; Including
The resume information creating means includes:
In order to read out the system information corresponding to the designation of the reproduction start position when the reproduction instruction of the content is accompanied by designation of the reproduction start position indicated by any of the resume information output by the output means Reading means;
Identification information creating means for creating the identification information;
Position data creating means for creating position data indicating a start position of reproduction in response to the reception means accepting the instruction to interrupt the reproduction;
The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising assembly creation means for creating the resume information based on the system information, the identification information, and the position data. The position data creating means includes
Detecting means for detecting a boundary between a portion constituted by stereo audio and a portion constituted by monaural audio in the content based on the audio information;
The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising boundary data creating means for creating boundary data indicating the boundary adjacent to the time point when the reproduction is interrupted among the boundaries detected by the detection means as the position data.   3. The content reproduction according to claim 2, wherein the resume information creation means further includes system information creation means for creating the system information when an instruction to reproduce the content lacks designation of a start position of the reproduction. apparatus. The storage means includes means for storing frequency information indicating a reproduction frequency of the content in addition to the video information and the audio information and the resume information,
The output means includes means for outputting the frequency information in addition to the resume information and the video information and audio information stored by the storage means,
The control means includes
An update control means for controlling the storage means to update the frequency information when the reproduction control means controls the storage means and the output means;
The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a frequency information control unit for controlling the storage unit and the output unit so as to output the frequency information. The content reproduction apparatus further includes a communication unit for communicating the reproduction instruction, the reproduction interruption instruction, and the resume information,
The control means further includes resume information transmission control means for controlling the storage means and the communication means so as to transmit the resume information stored by the storage means,
The reproduction control means outputs video information and audio information of the content when the communication means receives the content reproduction instruction in addition to the case where the reception means accepts the content reproduction instruction. Means for controlling the storage means and the output means,
The resume information creation means includes means for creating the resume information when the reception means receives the reproduction interruption instruction in addition to the reception interruption instruction received by the reception means. The content reproduction device according to claim 1, further comprising: The resume information includes creation time information,
The output control means includes means for controlling the storage means and the output means so as to output the resume information indicating a color corresponding to the difference between the output time of the resume information and the creation time. The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 1. A resume information output step of outputting resume information indicating a start position of reproduction in the content;
A reproduction instruction receiving step for receiving an instruction to reproduce the content;
When the instruction to reproduce the content is received, if the instruction to reproduce the content lacks designation of the reproduction start position, the instruction to reproduce the content is obtained from the information corresponding to the beginning of the content. A content output step of outputting video information and audio information of the content stored in advance according to the order of the video and audio in the content from information corresponding to the start position of the reproduction when
An interruption reception step for receiving an instruction to interrupt the reproduction;
Resume information creation step of creating the resume information according to the time when the instruction to interrupt the reproduction is received when the instruction to interrupt the reproduction is received while outputting the video information and the audio information of the content;
Content reproduction that causes a computer to execute each step including an additional accumulation step of accumulating the resume information created after receiving the reproduction interruption instruction in addition to the information accumulated before receiving the reproduction interruption instruction program. A computer-readable recording medium on which a content reproduction program is recorded,
A resume information output step of outputting resume information indicating a start position of reproduction in the content;
A reproduction instruction receiving step for receiving an instruction to reproduce the content;
When the instruction to reproduce the content is received, if the instruction to reproduce the content lacks designation of the reproduction start position, the instruction to reproduce the content is obtained from the information corresponding to the beginning of the content. A content output step of outputting video information and audio information of the content stored in advance according to the order of the video and audio in the content from information corresponding to the start position of the reproduction when
An interruption reception step for receiving an instruction to interrupt the reproduction;
Resume information creation step of creating the resume information according to the time when the instruction to interrupt the reproduction is received when the instruction to interrupt the reproduction is received while outputting the video information and the audio information of the content;
Content reproduction that causes a computer to execute each step including an additional accumulation step of accumulating the resume information created after receiving the reproduction interruption instruction in addition to the information accumulated before receiving the reproduction interruption instruction A computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded.

Images