JP2009027334A - Reproduction apparatus, reproduction method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a reproduction apparatus, reproduction method, and program which never bores a user even if image data biased in shooting frequency is reproduced in a sequence wherein images are reproduced according to shooting time. <P>SOLUTION: The reproduction apparatus reproduces images corresponding to shooting date and time with the passage of time displayed on a screen. In the case that there is no image to be reproduced for a predetermined period of time, weather information of the day belonging to the time displayed on the screen is acquired and then a weather image is created based on the acquired weather information and is displayed on the screen. When the weather information shows that it is going to be snow on that day, a snow image W1 including snow symbols W1a is displayed. The snow symbols W1a are displayed in animation wherein the snow symbols move from up to down on the screen which creates mood that it is snowing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a playback device, a playback method, and a program for playing back content such as images.

In recent years, when viewing images taken with a digital camera or the like, viewing from a conventional photo print using a playback device such as a personal computer has been widely performed. As for image viewing using a playback device, a specific image is not played back, but is often played back sequentially while switching images. Among them, still images are displayed for a certain period of time according to the shooting order ( For example, a slide show that is played and switched to the next is widely used. This slide show is very convenient because it does not require time and effort for switching, and can be enjoyed sideways while chatting with friends or doing other things.

As a way to enjoy a slide show, Patent Document 1 discloses an image processing apparatus that displays captured images in the order of time taken. That is, in this image processing apparatus, frequently shot images are replayed one after another while switching relatively quickly, and conversely, images shot with a gap are displayed on the screen for a relatively long time.
JP 2006-261933 A

Furthermore, recently, not only image data but also various categories of data such as music data and document data can be easily obtained through the Internet. Also in a playback apparatus, an electronic device that records and plays back multimedia data such as audio data as well as image data has been proposed (see Patent Document 2). In the electronic device disclosed in Patent Document 2, a list of reproducible contents is displayed so as to be superimposed on the screen being reproduced, thereby improving usability.
JP 2005-51500 A

According to the image processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, since reproduction is performed according to the shooting interval, it is possible to reduce a sense of discomfort over time. However, the shooting interval varies greatly from person to person, and some people take pictures every day, but most users take pictures when there is some kind of event such as travel, sports day, anniversary, etc. Is common. For this reason, the shooting date is several days within a year.

In this way, with respect to image data whose shooting frequency is largely shifted depending on the month or season, in the playback sequence such as the image processing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, no image is played back, or the same image is displayed for a long time. A boring scene that continues to be played continues. In addition, the electronic device disclosed in Patent Document 2 simply displays a list of multi contents, and even if the two are combined, if image data with a deviation in shooting frequency is not reproduced, it is tedious. There is no change in being a scene.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and in a sequence in which an image is reproduced in accordance with an imaging time, the user is bored when reproducing image data having a deviation in imaging frequency. It is an object of the present invention to provide a playback device, a playback method, and a program that are prevented from being performed.

In order to achieve the above object, a playback apparatus according to the first invention includes a time management unit that manages a screen time for playing back content including an image, and a time image creation unit that creates a time image indicating the screen time. A content image creating unit that creates a corresponding content image from the content of the image, a weather image creating unit that creates an image relating to weather information corresponding to the screen time, and managing the reproduction of the created time image A reproduction management unit that manages the content image to be reproduced at a timing on the screen time according to the shooting date and time, and the reproduction management unit replaces the content image when the content image is not displayed for a certain period of time. To manage to reproduce the image related to the weather information.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a playback apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising: a content search unit that obtains the weather information from content stored in an external database, wherein the weather image creation unit includes the weather information The image regarding is created based on the acquired weather information.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reproduction apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising an audio reproduction unit that reproduces the sound effect, and the reproduction management unit outputs the sound effect corresponding to the weather together with the image related to the weather information. Play from the audio playback unit.
Furthermore, in the playback apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the weather image creation unit creates an animation image representing the weather as an image relating to the weather information.

In order to achieve the above object, a playback apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the invention includes a time management unit that manages a screen time for playing back content including an image, and a content image creation that generates a corresponding content image from the content of the image And a correspondence information image creation unit that creates an image related to information corresponding to the screen time, and manages the content image to be played back at the timing on the screen time according to the shooting date and time, and the content for a certain period of time When not displaying an image, a playback management unit is provided that manages to play back the image related to the correspondence information instead of the content image.

Furthermore, a playback device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes a time image generation unit that generates a time image indicating the screen time in the fifth aspect of the invention, and the playback management unit displays the time image. .
Furthermore, the playback device according to the seventh invention has a communication unit for connecting to an external database in the fifth invention, and information corresponding to the screen time is obtained from the external database.
Furthermore, in the playback device according to the eighth invention, in the fifth invention, the information corresponding to the screen time includes at least one of information on weather, news, and information on sports.
Furthermore, in a playback device according to a ninth aspect based on the fifth aspect, the time management unit performs time management on a daily or monthly basis.

In order to achieve the above object, a playback method according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is a playback method for playing back content including an image while managing the screen time, creating a time image indicating the screen time, and from the content of the image. Create a corresponding content image, create an image related to the weather information corresponding to the screen time, manage playback of the created time image, and display the content image on the screen time according to the shooting date and time. In this case, when the content image is not displayed for a certain period, the image related to the weather information is managed to be reproduced instead of the content image.

In order to achieve the above object, a playback method according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is a playback method for playing back content based on a screen time for playing back content including an image, and creating a corresponding content image from the content of the image. Alternatively, an image related to the information corresponding to the screen time is created, and it is determined whether or not the period is a fixed period when the content image is not displayed, and the content image is displayed during the fixed period as a result of the determination. In some cases, the content image is played back at the timing on the screen time according to the shooting date and time, and if the result of the determination is that the content image is not displayed for the certain period of time, Then, an image related to the correspondence information is reproduced instead of the content image.

In order to achieve the above object, a program according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is a program for reproducing content including an image while managing the screen time, and creates a time image indicating the screen time and responds from the content of the image. Create a content image, create an image related to weather information corresponding to the screen time, manage playback of the created time image, and timing the content image on the screen time according to the shooting date and time In this case, when the content image is not displayed for a certain period of time, the image related to the weather information is managed to be reproduced instead of the content image.

In order to achieve the above object, a program according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a program for playing back content based on a screen time for playing back content including an image, or creating a corresponding content image from the content of the image, or , Creating an image related to the information corresponding to the screen time, determining whether or not the period is a fixed period when the content image is not displayed, and displaying the content image during the fixed period as a result of the determination In some cases, the content image is played back at the timing on the screen time according to the shooting date and time, and if the result of the determination is that the content image is not displayed for the certain period of time, the content image Instead of the image, the image related to the correspondence information is reproduced.

In the thirteenth invention, a program according to a fourteenth invention creates a time image indicating the screen time and reproduces it together with the content image or an image relating to information corresponding to the screen time.
A program according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the program according to the thirteenth aspect, connected to an external database, and acquires information corresponding to the screen time from the external database.
According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the thirteenth aspect, the information corresponding to the screen time includes at least one of information on weather, news, and information on sports.
According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the thirteenth aspect, the screen time is managed on a daily or monthly basis.

In order to achieve the above object, a program according to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention is a program for playing back content based on screen time. Based on information corresponding to the screen time, the content for playback is created from user-created data. The content is created and it is determined whether there is a period during which the playback content is not displayed. If the result of the determination is that playback content may be played back during the predetermined period, the playback is performed. If the content for playback is played at the timing on the screen time according to the creation date and the result of the determination is that the playback content is not played back for a certain period of time, instead of the playback content Content is created based on the information corresponding to the screen time and reproduced.

According to the present invention, a playback apparatus, a playback method, and a program that prevent a user from being bored when playing back image data having a deviation in shooting frequency in a sequence that plays back an image in accordance with the shooting time. Can be provided.

A preferred embodiment will be described below using a playback apparatus to which the present invention is applied according to the drawings. A playback apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured by a personal computer that can be connected to the Internet and can store moving images, still images, and the like and has a playback function of these images.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a personal computer 10 according to the present embodiment. The personal computer 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, an operation unit 14, a storage unit 15, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 16, an image creation unit 17, a display unit 18, and an audio reproduction unit. 19, a speaker unit 20, and a communication unit 21. The CPU 11, ROM 13, storage unit 15, RAM 16, image creation unit 17, sound reproduction unit 19, and communication unit 21 in the personal computer 10 are connected by a bus 19. The personal computer 10 is connected to an external data database 31 via a communication network such as the communication unit 21 and the Internet 30.

A CPU 11 in the personal computer 10 performs overall control of the personal computer 10 in accordance with a control program stored in a ROM 13 constituted by a flash memory or the like. The CPU 11 includes a reproduction management unit 12a, a time management unit 12b, and a content search unit 12c, which are substantially executed by a control program, but may be configured by dedicated hardware. .

The reproduction management unit 12a determines the reproduction time and order of contents, backgrounds, and time images to be described later, and manages the entire reproduction. In reproducing these contents, backgrounds, time images, and the like, this reproducing apparatus executes along the managed time, and the time management unit 12b performs time management on the reproduced screen. Hereinafter, the time that travels on the screen is also referred to as screen time. The content search unit 12 c searches the storage unit 15 in the personal computer 10 and the external database 31 for content having a creation date corresponding to the relevant date (screen time) to be reproduced. In this search, the weather data for that day is searched for displaying the weather screen.

The operation unit 14 connected to the CPU 11 includes a user interface such as a keyboard and a mouse, and inputs various operation commands to the personal computer 10. The image creation unit 17 includes hardware that generates an image for display from data such as content, and includes a time image creation unit 17a, a background image creation unit 17b, a content image creation unit 17c, and a weather image creation unit 17d.

The time image creation unit 17a is a creation unit that creates a time circle image and an image in which contents and the like are arranged in a thumbnail manner according to the display time of the time circle. The background image creation unit 17b is a creation unit that creates a background image. The content image creation unit 17c is a creation unit for individual contents displayed as thumbnails in the time image. The weather image creation unit 17d creates a weather animation for display on the weather screen. The above-described reproduction management unit 12a reproduces the weather animation created based on the retrieved weather data during the weather screen. A display unit 18 is connected to the image creation unit 17, and an image created by the image creation unit 17 is displayed.

The storage unit 15 is a storage unit for storing data of various contents, and includes a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk. The storage unit 15 stores time image data T, still image data, moving image data, audio data, selected image data, weather animation data, sound effect data, character data, and the like.

The audio reproduction unit 19 reproduces audio data, sound effect data, and the like stored in the storage unit 15, and the reproduced audio is output as audio from the speaker unit 20. The RAM 16 is used as a temporary storage area. Further, the communication unit 21 performs transmission / reception with the external database 31 and the like through the Internet 30 and the like. The external database 31 can be connected to a database of detailed weather data (C4) and a database of weather data (B3), and may be connected to various databases such as a map database, a blog database, and a news database. Further, the database is not limited to a database storing characters and images, and may be a voice database such as news.

As described above, the playback apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is a personal computer 10 that is usually commercially available, and is connected to the external database 31 through the Internet 30 or the like. This reproducing apparatus stores a program for executing the operation to be described in the ROM 13. Before explaining the flowchart related to this program, display and reproduction operation in the reproduction apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, display of a clock image used in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This clock image is displayed on the display unit 18 and is used when selecting the year / month / day and for displaying the year / month / day. First, the year circle TY for displaying the year in a circle is displayed on the display screen 18a. Each year has been displayed since 1999 along this year circle TY. If, for example, 2003 is selected from the display of this year, 2003 is displayed in a frame by the selection frame 51. Although FIG. 2 shows only up to 2004, this year can be changed as appropriate.

When a year is selected, a frame is displayed and a month circle TM is displayed. A month from January to December is displayed along the month circle TM. When, for example, August (displayed as Aug. in FIG. 2) is selected from the displayed months, a selection frame 52 is displayed. Aug. Is displayed in a frame. The month is selected and a frame is displayed, and a day circle TD is displayed. A dot representing the day is displayed along the day circle TD. When, for example, a dot corresponding to the 21st day is selected from the dot display, 21 is displayed in a frame by the selection frame 53. This day is selected, a frame is displayed, and a time circle TT is displayed.

As described above, when the year is selected sequentially, the circles are displayed in the order of month, day, and time. In the illustrated example in the present embodiment, August 21, 2003 is selected. Moreover, since the selected date is displayed by the frame displays 51, 52, and 53, the selected date can be easily confirmed. In the present embodiment, the selected date is displayed in a frame. However, the display is not limited to this frame display, and the display can be changed to various display methods such as changing the color or blinking.

Next, content reproduction according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which contents are sequentially played back in order to recall memories of an Okinawa trip on April 8, 2007. As multi-content, a still image C1, a moving image C2, detailed weather information (web information) C4, and audio C5 are reproduced and displayed. In addition, the background image B2 and the background music are also changed and displayed over time.

When reproducing the content, first, the year and month are selected as described above. When this selection is made, the image shown in FIG. 3 is displayed (in FIG. 3, an example in which April 2007 is selected). Various content thumbnails SC are displayed as thumbnails along the periphery of the date circle TD. That is, the content has information regarding the date of creation, and based on this information, the content information image is displayed as a thumbnail at a position corresponding to the creation date. A time image is composed of the clock image and the thumbnail image of the content information. In the example of FIG. 3, since a moving image, a still image, and the like exist in April 2007, a content thumbnail SC is displayed as a thumbnail around the date circle TD. The content thumbnail SC is a reduced image when the content is an image, but is displayed as a symbol mark when the content is other than an image.

Next, when a day is selected, the image shown in FIG. 4 is displayed (in FIG. 4, an example in which April 8, 2007 is selected). Content thumbnails SC1 to SC5 are displayed as thumbnails along the periphery of the time circle TT. When reproduction display (slide show) is started from the start screen, the cursor TC indicating the screen time starts moving at a predetermined display speed managed by the time management unit 12b. As the display speed, for example, the actual 6 hours are set to move in 1 minute. When the screen time reaches the date and time when each content is created, the reproduction of the corresponding content is started in principle. However, the image content is displayed to start reproduction at a small density and a small size from a little while ago, to reach the maximum density and size when the shooting date and time are reached, and then to reduce.

When the cursor TC approaches 12:00, as shown in FIG. 4, the still image C1 photographed at 6:00 am on April 8, 2007 gradually decreases, and fades out while the density decreases. The still image C1 is an image corresponding to the still image SC1 displayed as a thumbnail. In addition, the moving image C2 taken at about 10 o'clock has a large screen and a high density and can be clearly seen. This moving image C2 is an image corresponding to the moving image SC2 displayed as a thumbnail.

Further, detailed weather information C4 is displayed on the left side of the display screen 18a in a text format corresponding to the web SC4. In addition, although not shown in the figure, a sound corresponding to the sound SC5 is reproduced and played from the speaker unit 21. The voice includes, for example, a conversation with a friend recorded around 12:00 on that day.

Furthermore, the background image B2, which is one of the background images, moves to the right and gradually disappears. As another background image, the weather image B3 is displayed on the lower right. For the weather image B3, the content search unit 12c obtains the weather information based on the location information based on the date (April 8, 2007 in this example) and the GPS information attached to the image data, etc. 31 and is automatically displayed. If the weather information in the external database 31 is fine, switching is performed according to the time indicated by the cursor TC.

Thus, on the display screen 18a and the speaker unit 21, the time image composed of the clock image T and the content information image displayed as a thumbnail, the content composed of the still image C1, the moving image C2, and the sound C5, the background image B2, and the weather image B3. Etc. are reproduced and displayed. Further, the playback display starts from 0:00 on April 8, 2007, and until 24:00 on that day, according to the movement of the cursor TC on the clock image T, under the control of the time management unit 12b, Content and background images are played sequentially. Note that the start time of these slide shows can be changed with the mouse or the like at the start position of the cursor TC.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the content thumbnail SC exists around the day circle TD, but FIG. 5 shows an example in which no image exists in the month. The example of FIG. 5 is an example in which the date is set in December 2007, and no content such as an image exists in this December. In such a month, even if a slide show as shown in FIG. 4 is executed, no content is reproduced and the screen becomes boring.

Therefore, in this embodiment, in such a month, weather information corresponding to the corresponding day is displayed as shown in FIGS. As described above, the weather information is acquired from the external database 31 on the corresponding day. The example shown in FIG. 6 is December 1, 2007. If this day is snow as weather information, an animation image of snow is displayed as a weather screen.

That is, the weather image creating unit 17d creates a snow image W1 including a snow symbol W1a designed with a snow crystal shape and the like, which is animated. Then, the reproduction management unit 12a reproduces this snow image W1. In performing the animation display, the snow symbol W1a moves from the top to the bottom on the screen 18a, thereby creating an atmosphere where it is snowing.

In the example of FIG. 7, it is assumed that December 3, 2007 is an applicable day, and on this day, the weather information acquired from the external database 31 is rainy. In this case, as shown in the drawing, a rain image W2 including a rain symbol W2a designed for rain is created by the weather image creating unit 17d and displayed as an animation. Through the animation display, the rain symbol W2a moves from the top to the bottom on the screen 18a, and an atmosphere of raining can be created.

In the example of FIG. 8, it is assumed that December 9, 2007 is an applicable day, and that the weather information acquired from the external database 31 is thunder on this day. In this case, as shown in the drawing, a lightning image W3 including a lightning symbol W3a designed as a lightning bolt is created by the weather image creation unit 17d and displayed as an animation. Through the animation display, the lightning symbol W3a can run like lightning from the top to the bottom on the screen 18a, thereby creating an atmosphere where the lightning shines.

In the example of FIG. 9, it is assumed that December 13, 2007 is a corresponding day, and the weather information acquired from the external database 31 is sunny on this day. In this case, as shown in the figure, a clear sky image W4 including a clear sky symbol W4a designed for the sun is created by the weather image creating unit 17d and displayed as an animation. By the animation display, the clear sky symbol W4a can be moved freely and softly on the screen 18a to create a clear sky atmosphere.

Thus, in the present embodiment, the weather images W such as the snow image W1, the rain image W2, the lightning image W3, and the clear sky image W4 are switched and displayed based on the weather information. For this reason, when displaying content such as images in order of shooting date, the weather image W is displayed even if there is no corresponding content for a long time, so that the user is not bored. In addition, the weather image is displayed, which helps when recollecting memories in a slide show or the like. As shown in FIG. 9, the detailed weather information C4 may be displayed with text (characters) together with the weather image W.

In addition to displaying the weather image W based on the weather information, the sound effect may be reproduced based on the weather information. That is, the sound effect data stored in the storage unit 15 is read based on the weather information, and is reproduced by the sound reproduction unit 19 so that the sound effect is emitted from the speaker unit 20.

As shown in FIG. 10, the sound effects include a sound when walking on snow in the case of snow (crispy ...), a rain sound (in the case of rain), and a thunder. Is a thunder sound, a bird's tweet on a clear day, and a wind sound in a strong wind. By sounding such a sound effect, it is possible to feel the weather at that time not only from visual but also from hearing.

Next, a procedure for performing the above-described display reproduction will be described using the flowcharts shown in FIGS. When the program for reproduction and display in this embodiment starts, first, the start date is set by the user (S1). In the example of FIG. 4, 0:00 on April 8, 2007 is set, and in the example of FIG. 6, December 2007 is set. Note that the start time does not have to be 0:00 or 1 day. For example, the user can specify the time and date desired by moving the cursor TC with a mouse.

Next, conditions are set by the user (S2). The condition setting here is performed for the background image B2, background music, and weather information B3. Since the weather information B3 is performed using the external database 31, a URL from which weather information can be obtained may be set. As a program, a general background image or background music may be set as a default so that the user can freely change it. In the example of FIG. 4, playback is performed in “day” units, and in the example of FIG. 6, playback is set in “month” units.

When the condition setting is completed, next, content reproduction preparation is performed (S3). In the content reproduction preparation, under the control of the reproduction management unit 12a, the content search unit 12c searches for data related to the corresponding day in the example of FIG. That is, image data, audio data, character data, and the like stored in the storage unit 15 in the personal computer 10 and the external database 31 are searched for data relating to the corresponding day, and the searched data is stored for reproduction. This is a process for determining the order of reproduction. In the example of FIG. 6, the same preparation as for the corresponding day is performed for the corresponding month. In addition, in the example of FIG. 4 and the example of FIG. 6, when there is no content to be reproduced, the weather image W is prepared. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

When the content playback preparation is completed, the content playback is executed (S4). Here, under the control of the reproduction management unit 12a, the image creation unit 17 creates a time image, a background image (background information) and / or a weather image W, and contents such as a still image, a moving image, a web, and music audio. Play back. It also displays background images and weather images. In the content reproduction preparation in step S3, the contents are prepared for one day on the corresponding day, and the contents for one day are sequentially reproduced. In the example of FIG. 6, the same content as that of the corresponding day is reproduced for the corresponding month. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, it is determined whether or not a reproduction display end instruction has been issued (S6). The end instruction is given by the operation unit 14. As a result of the determination, when the end instruction is given as a result of the determination, this flow is ended. On the other hand, if the end instruction has not been given, it is next determined whether or not it is the second date (S8). In the example of FIG. 4, this date is the day after the corresponding day. For example, in the example of FIG. 4, when this step is first passed, it is April 9th. That is, each time the content reproduction execution S4 is executed, the display time is advanced by a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes), and the next day is reached when it reaches 24 o'clock due to this accumulation. It is a determination of whether or not it is a date. In the example of FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not the month is the next month.

If the result of determination in step S8 does not match the second date, processing returns to step S4 and content playback is executed. That is, by repeatedly executing step S4 to step S8, contents and weather information on the corresponding day or month are displayed. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S8 matches the second date, the date is switched to the unit date above (S9). That is, in the example of FIG. 4, the next day is switched and the time is set to 0:00, and in the example of FIG. 6, the next month is switched. When the switching in step S9 is completed, the process returns to step S3 to prepare for the reproduction of the next day or next month content.

Next, details of the content reproduction preparation subroutine in step S3 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the content search unit 12c searches the storage unit 15 for the content of the corresponding day (S11). In other words, the user stores image data captured using a digital camera, video camera, mobile phone camera, etc., audio data recorded by an IC recorder, etc. in a storage area such as the storage unit 15. The date and time information (including shooting date and time information) is attached to the data. For this reason, the content search part 12c searches the image data, audio | voice data, etc. which were produced on the applicable day based on creation date information.

Subsequently, the content of the corresponding day is searched from the external database 31 (S12). The weather data (B3), detailed weather data (C4), map data, blog data, news data, etc. are searched based on the URL set in advance. In addition, data on the corresponding day may be searched using an Internet search engine.

Next, the retrieval is performed in steps S11 and S12, and the acquired data is stored in the reproduction area of the storage unit 15 (S13). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the photographed image content by the user exists in the searched image (S14). If the photographed image content exists as a result of the determination, the playback time / order of the content is set (S15). That is, the playback management unit 12a sets the playback time (display time managed by the time management unit 12b) based on the creation date information attached to the acquired image data, audio data, web data, blog data, or the like. And set the playback order.

If the result of determination in step S14 is that there is no photographed image content, a weather screen is set (S16). That is, based on the weather information of the day acquired from the external database 31, the weather image creation unit 17d creates a weather image W as illustrated in FIGS. When step S15 or S16 ends, the process returns to the original routine.

Next, details of the subroutine for content reproduction execution in step S4 will be described with reference to FIG. The content reproduction execution is controlled by the reproduction management unit 12a. First, the display time is set (S21). In the example of FIG. 4, the display time starts from 0:00 on April 8, 2007, and is set in increments of 5 minutes, for example, and the display time advances by 5 minutes each time this subroutine is passed. Subsequently, the time image is read / created (S22). In this subroutine, a time image composed of a clock image and a content information image is created based on the display time.

Next, background data is read and created (S23). In this step, images such as the background image B2 and the weather image B3 are created, and music sounds such as background music are created, and then it is determined whether or not the weather screen is displayed (S24). That is, if there is no photographed image content in step S14, a weather screen is set in step S16, and it is determined whether or not this weather screen is set.

If the result of determination in step S24 is that no weather screen has been set, thumbnail images of all content information belonging to that day are created (S25). Subsequently, the photographed image content is read and created (S26). Here, content for reproduction is created based on image data, audio data, text data, and the like stored in the storage unit 15.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S24 is a weather screen, the weather data is searched (S31). In this case, when the information search for the corresponding day is skipped from the external database 31 in step S13, the external database 31 is accessed here to obtain the weather data for the corresponding day. Subsequently, weather animation reading is performed (S32). That is, data for performing animation display as shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 is read.

Next, a weather image is created (S33). Here, the weather image creation unit 17d creates and displays a weather image using the weather data and weather animation data of the corresponding day. Subsequently, the sound effect is reproduced (S34). That is, as shown in FIG. 10, sound effect data corresponding to the weather is read from the storage unit 15 and reproduced by the sound reproduction unit 19, and the sound effect is produced by the speaker unit 20.

When step S26 or step S34 is completed, character content is read and created (S27). The text content here includes, for example, detailed weather information C4 as shown in FIG. Subsequently, the music or audio content is read and reproduced (S28). Here, in step S23 and the like, the created music voice such as background music and data such as the voice C5 are read out and reproduced, and are output from the speaker unit 20. Music may be reproduced as BGM of the weather image.

Next, an entire image is created (S29). The background image, the time image, the content, and / or the weather image created based on the display time set in step S21 are combined to form an entire image. Subsequently, the created whole image is displayed (S30). When the entire image is displayed, the process returns to the original routine.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when content is played back along the creation date and time such as the shooting date, if there is no content such as a shot image to be played back, a weather image is created and displayed. I am doing so. For this reason, even if the user's content is not reproduced for a long time, the user is not bored. In addition, since it is a weather image, not a background image, it can change the screen and give the atmosphere of the time.

Moreover, since it is a weather image, it is useful and useful for recollection in a slide show or the like. Further, since the animation image is displayed when displaying the weather image, it is possible to give a sense of realism. Furthermore, since the sound effect is reproduced according to the weather image, the sense of reality can be further enhanced. Furthermore, since the weather information is obtained from the external database 31 through the network, there is an advantage that there is no burden on the playback device side and the information accuracy is high. The weather information may be not only past weather information but also future prediction information.

In the present embodiment, the weather image is displayed during a period in which the photographed image does not exist. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, news text information and stock price information on the day, news or sports relay video Any image created based on information corresponding to the screen time (the time on the screen controlled by the time management unit 12b such as the display time) may be used. These images may be obtained by searching the external database 31 similarly to the weather image.

In the present embodiment, some or all of the processing of the CPU 11 may be configured by hardware. Conversely, the hardware of the image creation unit may be configured by software. The specific configuration is a design matter. As a recording medium for storing a program, a flash memory is used in the present embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an optical recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD, a magnetic recording medium such as an MD, a tape medium, Of course, a semiconductor memory such as an IC card may be used.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, circle display is used for displaying time. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a straight line, a curve, or the like may be used as long as it can express the transition of date and time. This time image may be omitted if the transition of date and time is not particularly important. In this embodiment, the determination as to whether or not the content such as the image to be reproduced does not exist is in units of one day in the example shown in FIG. 4, and in units of one month in the example shown in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it can be changed as appropriate in half-day units, weekly units, or half-month units. In this case, the display of the time circle may be changed as appropriate.

Further, in this embodiment, the weather screen is set when there is no photographed image content in step S14. However, in addition to the photographed image content, voice SC5 and web information SC4 (detailed weather information), etc., steps S11 and S12 are used. As a result of the search, the weather screen may be set only when there is no user-specified content.

In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, an example in which the present invention is applied to a personal computer has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a television connectable to the Internet may be used. In any case, the present invention can be applied to any device capable of storing and reproducing image data.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, you may delete some components of all the components shown by embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus concerning one Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the clock image used with the reproducing | regenerating apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows a display screen in case the image (a moving image, a still image) exists in the said month in the display screen of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the display of the multi-contents on the display screen of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention, and is a screen on April 8, 12:00. It is a figure which shows a display screen when the image (a moving image, a still image) does not exist in the said month in the display screen of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the weather information display in the display screen of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is a figure of the screen which shows the case of snow. It is a figure which shows the weather information display in the display screen of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is a figure of the screen which shows the case of rain. It is a figure which shows the weather information display in the display screen of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is a figure of the screen which shows the case of a thunder. It is a figure which shows the weather information display in the display screen of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is a figure of the screen which shows the case of fine weather. It is a figure which shows the relationship of the sound effect corresponding to a weather in the reproducing | regenerating apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main flow of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the content reproduction preparation of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of content reproduction execution of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Personal computer, 11 ... CPU, 12a ... Playback management part, 12b ... Time management part, 12c ... Content search part, 13 ... ROM, 14 ... Operation part, 15 ... Storage unit, 16 ... RAM, 17 ... Image creation unit, 17a ... Time image creation unit, 17b ... Background image creation unit, 17c ... Content image creation unit, 17d .. Weather image creation unit, 18 ... display unit, 18a ... display screen, 19 ... audio control unit, 20 ... speaker unit, 21 ... communication unit, 30 ... internet, 31 ... External database, 51 ... Year display, 52 ... Month display, 53 ... Day display, B2 ... Background image, B3 ... Weather image, C1 ... Still image, C2.・ ・ Video, C4 ... Weather detailed information (web), C5 ・・ Voice, SC1 ... Still image, SC2 ... Movie, SC4 ... Web, SC5 ... Voice, T ... Clock image, TY ... Year circle, TM ... Month circle, TD ... Day circle, TT ... Time circle, TC ... Cursor,
W ... Weather image, W1 ... Snow image, W1a ... Snow symbol, W2 ... Rain image, W2a ... Rain symbol, W3 ... Lightning image, W3a ... Lightning symbol, W4 ... Sunny weather image, W4a ... Sunny weather symbol

Claims (18)

A time management unit for managing the screen time for playing back content including images;
A time image creation unit for creating a time image indicating the screen time;
A content image creation unit for creating a corresponding content image from the content of the image;
A weather image creation unit for creating an image relating to weather information corresponding to the screen time;
A reproduction management unit that manages reproduction of the created time image and manages the content image to be reproduced at a timing on the screen time according to the shooting date and time;
With
The reproduction apparatus, wherein when the content image is not displayed for a certain period of time, the reproduction management unit manages to reproduce an image related to the weather information instead of the content image. A content search unit that obtains the weather information from content stored in an external database,
The playback device according to claim 1, wherein the weather image creation unit creates an image related to the weather information based on the acquired weather information. It has an audio playback unit that plays sound effects,
The playback apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the playback management unit plays back an effect sound corresponding to the weather together with an image related to the weather information from an audio playback unit.   The playback apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the weather image creation unit creates an animation image representing the weather as an image related to the weather information. A time management unit for managing the screen time for playing back content including images;
A content image creation unit for creating a corresponding content image from the content of the image;
A corresponding information image creating unit for creating an image related to information corresponding to the screen time;
The content image is managed to be played back at the timing on the screen time according to the shooting date and time, and when the content image is not displayed for a certain period, the image related to the correspondence information is played back instead of the content image. A playback management unit,
A playback apparatus comprising:   6. The reproduction apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a time image creation unit that creates a time image indicating the screen time, wherein the reproduction management unit displays the time image.   6. The playback apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a communication unit for connecting to an external database, wherein the information corresponding to the screen time is obtained from the external database.   6. The playback apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the information corresponding to the screen time includes at least one of information on weather, news, and information on sports.   6. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the time management unit performs time management on a daily or monthly basis. In a playback method for playing back content including images while managing screen time,
Create a time image showing the above screen time,
Create a corresponding content image from the above image content,
Create an image of weather information corresponding to the above screen time,
While managing the reproduction of the created time image and managing the content image to be reproduced at the timing on the screen time according to the shooting date and time, when the content image is not displayed for a certain period of time, Manage to play images related to the weather information instead of content images,
A reproduction method characterized by the above. In a playback method for playing content based on a screen time for playing content including an image,
Create a corresponding content image from the content of the image, or create an image related to the information corresponding to the screen time,
Determine whether the period is a fixed period when the content image is not displayed,
As a result of the determination, if the content image is displayed during the certain period, the content image is played back at the timing on the screen time according to the shooting date and time. When the content image is not displayed for the certain period, the image related to the correspondence information is played instead of the content image.
A reproduction method characterized by the above. In a program that plays content containing images while managing screen time,
Create a time image showing the above screen time,
Create a corresponding content image from the above image content,
Create an image of weather information corresponding to the above screen time,
While managing the reproduction of the created time image and managing the content image to be reproduced at the timing on the screen time according to the shooting date and time, when the content image is not displayed for a certain period of time, Manage to play images related to the weather information instead of content images,
A program characterized by that. In a program for playing content based on the screen time for playing content including images,
Create a corresponding content image from the content of the image, or create an image related to the information corresponding to the screen time,
Determine whether the period is a fixed period when the content image is not displayed,
As a result of the determination, if the content image is displayed during the certain period, the content image is played back at the timing on the screen time according to the shooting date and time. When the content image is not displayed for the certain period, the image related to the correspondence information is played instead of the content image.
A program characterized by that.   The program according to claim 13, wherein a time image indicating the screen time is created and reproduced together with the content image or an image related to information corresponding to the screen time.   The program according to claim 13, wherein the program is connected to an external database, and information corresponding to the screen time is acquired from the external database.   14. The program according to claim 13, wherein the information corresponding to the screen time includes at least one of information on weather, news, and information on sports.   14. The program according to claim 13, wherein the screen time is managed on a daily or monthly basis. In a program that plays content based on screen time,
Create content for playback from user-created data, or create content based on information corresponding to the above screen time,
Determine whether there is a period of time during which no content for playback is displayed,
As a result of the determination, if the playback content may be played during the predetermined period, the playback content is played back at the timing on the screen time according to the creation date and time. As a result, when the playback content is not played back during the predetermined period, the content is created based on information corresponding to the screen time instead of the playback content and played back.
A program characterized by that.