JP2010049525A - Content transmitter, content use device and content transmission method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To satisfy the demand of a user by making the use of the capability of a plurality of electronic equipment connected on to a network to the maximum without impairing the convenience of a user. <P>SOLUTION: The plurality of electronic equipment connected onto the network are based upon one specific specification as specifications for transferring content between equipment. When transmission instructions for the use of content by first equipment from a user are accepted by an acceptance means, whether the data format of the content is supported by the first equipment is checked. When it is determined that the data format is not supported, second equipment capable of converting the data format into a data format supported by the first equipment is detected from among the equipment connected to the network, and the conversion request of the data format is made to the second equipment, and the data is transferred through the second equipment to the first equipment. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a content transmission apparatus, a content utilization apparatus, and a content transmission method in a case where contents such as images and sounds (music) are exchanged through a network so that the content utilization apparatus can use the content from the content transmission apparatus. .

  In recent years, various consumer electronic devices such as DVD recorders, stereo playback devices, game machines, and digital cameras have been equipped with a wireless communication function capable of configuring a network. There are a plurality of guidelines and standards such as DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) guidelines as a technology for exchanging contents on a network configured by connecting electronic devices equipped with these wireless communication functions.

  For example, the DLNA guideline is a guideline regarding specifications of a communication method and a data transmission method and a data format presented by an organization that is active in order to realize interoperability between electronic devices.

  In this DLNA guideline, DMS (Digital Media Server) that records, stores, and provides content and DMP (Digital Media Player) that reproduces the content are defined. An electronic device compliant with the DLNA guidelines is provided with either or both of DMS and DMP functions. Both DMS and DMP functions can be used simply by connecting an electronic device to the network.

  As electronic devices having a DMS function, a personal computer, a home server, a DVD / hard disk recorder, a digital camera, a camera-equipped mobile phone terminal, and the like are assumed. Further, as an electronic device having a DMP function, a television receiver, a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), and the like are assumed.

  According to the DLNA guidelines, the DMP can search for a DMS existing in the network and automatically obtain a list of available contents. Therefore, by using a user interface using this list, it is possible to easily realize a processing operation in which a plurality of electronic devices are linked.

  For example, the user operates the user interface displayed on the screen of the television receiver with the television remote controller, and instructs the television receiver to display an image captured by the digital camera. Then, the digital camera is controlled by a controller compliant with the DLNA guidelines installed in the television receiver, and image data stored in the digital camera is transmitted to the television receiver, for example, by wireless communication. As a result, an image taken with a digital camera can be displayed on the large screen of the television receiver and enjoyed.

  By the way, when the number of electronic devices in the home increases, the total number of combinations of electronic devices connected to each other on the network increases dramatically compared to the increase in the number of electronic devices.

  However, in the conventional user interface that complies with the above-mentioned guidelines and standards, it is left to the user to select the optimal electronic device to be interconnected with each electronic device. You have to deal with it.

  Furthermore, since the types of content (including differences in data formats) supported by each electronic device are not necessarily the same, the electronic device to be connected and selected by the user varies depending on the type of content selected by the user. The situation can occur.

  For this reason, the user is required to have advanced knowledge regarding the content type and whether or not each electronic device can reproduce the content. As a result, there has been a problem that it becomes difficult for general users to use electronic devices as consumer electronic devices having wireless communication functions increase at home.

  As a method for solving this problem, there is an approach disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-538680.

  In the method of Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of wireless communication systems (for example, wireless LAN) and / or wired communication systems (Ethernet (registered trademark)) are used for one central control system 1. Connect electronic devices 2, 4, 5, and 6. For example, in the example of FIG. 15, the mobile phone terminal 2 is connected to the central control system 1 through the wireless router 3 by a wireless communication method. The television receiver 4, the personal computer 5, and the digital camera 6 are connected to the central control system 1 by a wired communication system.

  In Patent Document 1, the central control system 1 is configured to support all of the different data transmission protocols supported by the respective electronic devices 2, 4, 5, and 6. Examples of different data transmission protocols include TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) and HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

  In this Patent Document 1, the user always uses the respective electronic devices 2, 4, 5, 6 via the central control system 1 by operating the user interface provided by the central control system 1. It is configured. Thus, the user can perform the desired function of each electronic device 2, 4, 5, 6 without being aware of the difference in the communication method of each electronic device 2, 4, 5, 6 and the difference in the data transmission protocol. Can be used.

The above-mentioned patent documents are as follows.
Special table 2004-538680 gazette

  However, the approach disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the following problems.

  First, there is a problem that the central control system 1 must support many different communication methods in order to connect to many electronic devices.

  Second, in order to exchange data with many electronic devices, the central control system 1 has a problem that it must support many different data transmission methods.

  Third, Patent Document 1 uses a unified integrated user interface that supports a plurality of guidelines and standards for network connection specifications, but this integrated user interface is very complicated. For this reason, there is a problem that usability may be worse than a user interface that conforms to a single guideline or standard.

  Fourth, the central control system 1 has a problem that it becomes an expensive product for many users because it has multiple functions to satisfy the above-mentioned requirements.

  An object of this invention is to provide the apparatus and method which solved the above problem.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1
Connected to the network to which a plurality of devices having an interface compliant with one specific specification as a specification for exchanging contents between a plurality of devices connected on the network is compliant with the specification And interface means for exchanging content between a plurality of devices,
Accepting means for accepting an instruction input from a user to use content from its own device on the first device on the network;
Checking means for checking whether the first device supports the data format prior to sending the content when the instruction input is received by the receiving means;
When the checking means determines that the data format is not supported, the data format can be converted into a data format supported by the first device among the devices connected to the network. Detection means for detecting a second device;
When the second device is detected by the detection means, transmission destination information transmission means for transmitting information of a destination for transmitting content data after the conversion of the data format to the second device;
After transmitting the destination information by the transmission destination information transmission means, it requests the second device to convert the data format, and sends the content data to the second device as the interface means. Transmission means for transmitting through,
A content transmission device comprising:

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, content data is exchanged between devices conforming to one specific specification through a network. According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a certain device A, a user instruction input for instructing the first device B on the network to use the content of the device A (for example, reproduction of the content) is accepted. be able to.

  Upon receiving the user instruction input, the device A checks whether or not the first device B supports the data format of the content before sending the content. As a result of the check, when it is determined that the first device B does not support the data format, the device A does not transmit the content data to the first device B as it is. Instead, the device A searches for a second device that can convert the data format into a data format supported by the first device B from devices connected to the network.

  If the second device C can be detected, the device A transmits to the second device C information on the other party that transmits the content data after the data format conversion. Then, the device A makes a data format conversion request to the second device C and transmits the content data to the second device C.

  Then, the second device C converts the data format of the received content data into a data format supported by the first device B. Then, the second device C uses the information of the first device B received as information on the other party to transmit the content data after the data format conversion to the first device B.

  Thus, according to the first aspect of the invention, the first device B can use (for example, reproduce) the content from the device A. In this case, the user at the device A needs to instruct the use of the second device C simply by instructing the content from the device A to be used (for example, reproduced) by the first device B. There is no. Therefore, the user can obtain a processing result corresponding to the instruction by instructing a desired process without being conscious of the type of content supported by each device (including differences in data formats).

The invention of claim 8
Connected to the network to which a plurality of devices having an interface compliant with one specific specification as a specification for exchanging contents between a plurality of devices connected on the network is compliant with the specification A first interface means for exchanging contents between a plurality of devices;
Functional means for using content from a first device comprising second interface means compliant with the specification;
Accepting means for accepting an instruction input from the user to use the content from the first device in its own device;
Check means for checking the data format of the content from the first device prior to use of the content from the first device when the instruction input is received by the reception means;
When it is determined by the checking means that the device does not support the data format, the data format is changed to a data format supported by the device in the devices connected to the network. Detection means for detecting a second device that can be converted;
When the second device is detected by the detection means, information on the transmission source of the content data before the data format conversion is transmitted to the second device, and the content data after the data format conversion is transmitted. First transmission information transmission means for transmitting information of a destination to which the information is transmitted;
When the second device is detected by the detecting means, the second device information is transmitted to the first device as information on the other device to which the content data is transmitted. Second transmission information transmission means for instructing to send a data format conversion request to
With
Provided is a content utilization apparatus that receives the data of the content after the conversion of the data format sent from the second device through the network through the interface means and performs processing by the functional means.

  In the invention of claim 8 configured as described above, the exchange of content data is performed between devices conforming to one specific specification through a network. In the invention of claim 8, in a certain device A, the content from the first device B on the network is used (for example, reproduction) by using the content utilization function (for example, the reproduction function) possessed by the device A It is possible to accept a user instruction input instructing to do so.

  When receiving the user instruction input, the device A checks the data format of the content from the first device B prior to using the content. As a result of the check, when it is determined that the own device A does not support the data format of the content from the first device B, the own device A sends the content data itself to the first device B. No transmission to device A is required. Instead, the device A searches for a second device C that can convert the data format into a data format supported by the device A from devices connected to the network.

  If the second device C is detected, the device A transmits to the second device C information on the transmission source of the content data before the data format conversion, and the content data after the conversion of the data format. Transmits the information of the other party to transmit.

  If the second device C can be detected, the own device A transmits the information of the second device C to the first device B as information on the destination of transmitting the content data. Instruct to send data format conversion request first.

  Then, the first device B transmits a data format conversion request to the second device C and transmits the content data. The second device C converts the data format of the received content data into a data format supported by the device A. Then, the second device C transmits the data of the content after the data format conversion to the device A using the information of the device A received as the information of the counterpart.

  Thus, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the device A uses (eg, reproduces) the content from the first device B even if the data format of the content from the first device B is not supported. It becomes possible. In this case, the user of the device A needs to instruct the use of the second device C simply by instructing that the content from the first device B be used (for example, reproduced) by the own device A. There is no. Therefore, the user can obtain a processing result corresponding to the instruction by instructing a desired process without being conscious of the type of content supported by each device (including differences in data formats).

  According to the present invention, an optimal combination of devices is automatically selected when content data is exchanged over a network between electronic devices that comply with one specific specification. For this reason, the user's request can be satisfied by making the best use of the capabilities of a plurality of electronic devices connected to the network without impairing the user's usability.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a content transmission device, a content utilization device, and a content transmission method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, the use of content means that the content is provided to the user. That is, use of content includes, for example, display on a display screen when the content is an image, sound reproduction when the content is music, display on a display screen when the content is text characters, and the like. .

<First Embodiment>
[Network system configuration example]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an example of a network system including a content transmission device and a content use device according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, a plurality of electronic devices, in this example, a mobile phone terminal 11, a television receiver 12, a personal computer 13, a digital camera 14, and a PDA 15 are connected to the network 10.

  In this embodiment, each of the mobile phone terminal 11, the television receiver 12, the personal computer 13, the digital camera 14, and the PDA 15 includes a communication interface and a user interface that comply with the DLNA guidelines.

  The mobile phone terminal 11 is an example of the content transmission apparatus of this embodiment, and has a DMS function. In this example, the mobile phone terminal 11 is connected to the network 10 via a wireless router 16 by a wireless communication method.

  The mobile phone terminal 11 includes a camera function unit, accumulates image data of a captured image captured by the camera function unit in a storage unit, and stores the captured image stored in the storage unit according to a user instruction. A function of sending image data to the network 10 is provided. Audio data may be attached to the image data.

  The digital camera 14 is also an example of the content transmission apparatus of this embodiment, and has a DMS function in the DLNA guidelines. In this example, the digital camera 14 is connected to the network 10 by a wired communication method including, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark). The digital camera 14 accumulates image data of the captured image captured by the camera function unit in the storage unit, and stores the image data of the captured image stored in the storage unit according to a user instruction on the network 10. The function to send to. Audio data may be attached to the image data.

  The television receiver 12 includes a display screen 12A, and has a function of DMP in the DLNA guidelines in addition to a function of receiving a television broadcast program and displaying it on the display screen 12A. The television receiver 12 is an example of the content utilization device of this embodiment. In this example, the television receiver 12 is connected to the network 10 by a wired communication method including, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark).

  The television receiver 12 has a function of receiving image data via a network and displaying an image based on the image data on the display screen 12A. Note that audio data may be attached to the image data received by the television receiver 12, and a function of receiving the audio data and reproducing the sound with a speaker is also provided.

  In this embodiment, the personal computer 13 has DMS and DMP functions according to the DLNA guidelines. Therefore, the personal computer 13 is an example of the content sending device and the content using device of this embodiment. In this example, the personal computer 13 is connected to the network 10 by a wired communication method made of, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark).

  The personal computer 13 has a function of receiving image data and audio data via a network, projecting an image based on the image data on a display screen, and reproducing audio data through a speaker. The computer 13 also has a function of transmitting image data and audio data stored in the personal computer 13 through the network 10.

  In this embodiment, the PDA 15 has DMS and DMP functions in the DLNA guidelines. Accordingly, the PDA 15 is an example of the content sending device and the content using device of this embodiment. The PDA 15 is connected to the network 10 by, for example, a wired communication method including Ethernet (registered trademark), and has the same function as the function of the personal computer 13 described above.

  As described above, the network system of this embodiment is completely different from the configuration in which products that comply with a plurality of guidelines and standards are integrated by providing a central control system as in Patent Document 1 described above. That is, there is no central control system in the network system of this embodiment.

  Instead, in this embodiment, only one device that complies with one common guideline, in this example, the DLNA guideline, is targeted as an electronic device that exchanges image data and audio data via the network 10. .

  In this embodiment, instead of using the integrated user interface on the central control system as in Patent Document 1, the user instructs to exchange data using the user interface included in each device. Configured to be able to.

  For example, the television receiver 12 that is DMP searches for the mobile phone terminal 11, the personal computer 13, and the digital camera 14 that are DMSs in the network 10 and automatically obtains a list of available contents. For example, when an image of a photograph taken with a digital camera is to be displayed on the large screen 12A of the television receiver 12, the user operates the user interface provided by the television receiver 12 with a remote controller or the like. You can be instructed. That is, a device having a DMP function is configured such that a user can receive and play data from the DMS through a user interface provided by the device.

  In this embodiment, even in a device having a DMS function, by operating a user interface provided by the own device, data held in the own device is transmitted to a television receiver that is a DMP. It is configured so that an instruction for reproduction or the like can be given.

[Explanation of data transmission with format conversion]
There are many types of image data and audio data formats. The cellular phone terminal 11 and the digital camera 14 which are DMSs support one or more specific data formats determined from the various data formats, and the image data and audio data of the data formats are transferred to the network 10. Send it out.

  On the other hand, it goes without saying that the television receiver 12, the personal computer 13, and the PDA 15 which are DMPs do not support all the data formats of a large number of image data such as image data and audio data.

  For this reason, for example, when an instruction is given by a user to transmit the content data of a certain electronic device to another electronic device and reproduce it, the data format of the content of the certain electronic device is supported by the other electronic device. There is a situation in which playback is not possible due to the absence of this.

  For example, the image data held in the mobile phone terminal 11 is displayed on the large screen 12A of the television receiver 12, but the data format of the image data is not supported by the television receiver 12, and therefore the user There is a possibility that it is not possible to meet the demands. This is because the guidelines for interconnectivity, such as DLNA, are positioned as optional functions in addition to the required support functions in order to achieve interoperability with many electronic devices with different performance and functions. This is because it is not supported.

  In this embodiment, the electronic devices 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 described above have a configuration that solves the above-described problems.

  That is, each electronic device constituting the content transmission device and the content utilization device of this embodiment includes a microcomputer, and a software program for realizing functional means for complying with the DLNA guidelines is stored in the memory. Yes. In addition to this, each electronic device constituting the content transmission device and content utilization device of this embodiment additionally stores a software program for performing processing functions as described below in a memory. .

  The content transmission apparatus according to this embodiment includes an electronic device having a function of converting content data such as an image and music selected by the user into a data format that can be correctly displayed and reproduced on the electronic device desired by the user. It has a function to detect automatically. The content transmission apparatus according to this embodiment has a function of requesting the detected electronic device for data format conversion, and further requesting transmission of the data after the data format conversion to the electronic device desired by the user.

  In this embodiment, the electronic device that has received the data format conversion request from the content transmission apparatus executes the instructed data format conversion upon receiving the content data from the content transmission apparatus. Then, the electronic device that has performed the data format conversion transmits the data of the content after the data format conversion through the network 10 to the content use device instructed by the content transmission device.

  Here, after the user's instruction operation, processing such as detection of an electronic device that performs data format conversion and data format conversion in the electronic device is automatically performed without user operation in this embodiment. To be done. Therefore, from the viewpoint of the user, it seems as if data is directly transferred between the data sending side and the receiving side.

[Specific example of data transmission with data format conversion]
FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of format conversion and data transmission that are automatically performed without user operation. In FIG. 2, comments to which numbers (1) to (8) are attached indicate the contents of processing performed in the order of the numbers.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the user operates the user interface provided on the display screen of the mobile phone terminal 11 to display the captured image data held by the mobile phone terminal 11 on the large screen 12 </ b> A of the television receiver 12. This is a case where

  In the example of FIG. 2, the television receiver 12 does not support the data format of the image content transmitted from the mobile phone terminal 11. The personal computer 13 has a function of converting the data format of the image content transmitted from the mobile phone terminal 11 into the data format of the image data supported by the television receiver 12.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the mobile phone terminal 11 which is an embodiment of the content transmission device acquires the following five pieces of information from the television receiver 12 and the personal computer 13 through the network 10 and performs the above-described processing. Execute.

(A) Name of device (B) MAC (Media Access Control) address (C) IP (Internet Protocol) address (D) Function to support (E) Data format to be supported Here, (A) to (C) Information can be acquired by each electronic device when the electronic device conforming to the DLNA guidelines is connected to the network. However, the information of (D) and (E) is not stipulated in the DLNA guidelines, and in this embodiment, the mobile phone terminal 11 which is an embodiment of the content transmission apparatus inquires and acquires other devices. Like that.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of information on each device that the mobile phone terminal 11 acquires and holds through the network 10 in this example. As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the cellular phone terminal 11 is provided with a controller function for controlling the exchange of content data between the DMS and the DMP.

  This controller is a software program that performs a processing operation conforming to the DLNA guidelines. In this embodiment, the controller further includes an extended software program for executing the above-described processing that is not defined by the DLNA guidelines.

  In the case of the example of FIG. 3, the example of FIG. 2 is a case where the data format of the image data from the mobile phone terminal 11 is “GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)”. In this case, the personal computer 13 converts the GIF format into the data format “JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)” or “PNG (Portable Network Graphics)” of the image data supported by the television receiver 12.

[Processing operation of mobile phone terminal (embodiment of content transmission apparatus)]
Next, referring to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5, the processing operation performed by the mobile phone terminal 11 as the embodiment of the content transmission apparatus when the processing procedures from (1) to (8) of FIG. 2 are performed. While explaining.

  As described above, the electronic device connected to the network 10 such as the mobile phone terminal 11 acquires the information (A) to (C) when each electronic device is connected to the network 10. Therefore, the mobile phone terminal 11 provides the user with a user interface including a list of electronic devices having a function of reproducing image data and audio data, that is, a DMP function, in response to a request from the user.

  In this example, the user instructs the mobile phone terminal 11 to display the captured image held by the mobile phone terminal 11 on the large screen 12A of the television receiver 12 through the user interface. Then, the microcomputer of the mobile phone terminal 11 executes processing as described below in accordance with the above-described controller software program stored in the program memory.

  First, the cellular phone terminal 11 inquires of the television receiver 12 that should request the display of the captured image about the (D) supported function through the network 10 (step S101). This inquiry corresponds to “(1) inquiry of supported functions” in FIG.

  In this case, the inquiry uses the MAC address and IP address of the television receiver 12 already acquired by the mobile phone terminal 11. Hereinafter, when each electronic device makes an inquiry through the network 10, the MAC address and IP address of the target device already acquired are used in the same manner.

  Next, the cellular phone terminal 11 receives information on the function to be supported from the television receiver 12 (step S102), and determines whether or not the television receiver 12 has a reproduction function of the captured image (step S103). In the case of FIG. 3, since the television receiver 12 has an image viewer function, it is determined that the captured image has a reproduction function.

  In this step S103, when it is determined that the television receiver 12 does not have a playback function of the captured image, the mobile phone terminal 11 displays on the display screen that the playback is impossible, or notifies by voice, This is notified to the user (step S104). Then, this processing routine ends.

  In the case of a conventional DLNA-compliant system, the mobile phone terminal transmits captured image data to the television receiver 12 without performing steps S101 and S102. As a result, since the television receiver 12 does not have a function for reproducing the captured image data, the user is notified that the image cannot be reproduced. However, the mobile phone terminal does not notify the user that the image cannot be reproduced. For this reason, the user who has operated the mobile phone terminal has not been able to confirm that the image cannot be reproduced on the mobile phone terminal. On the other hand, in this embodiment, it is possible to confirm that the image cannot be reproduced by an electronic device having a DMS function that is instructed by the user through the user interface.

  Next, when it is determined in step S103 that the television receiver 12 has a reproduction function of the captured image, the cellular phone terminal 11 inquires of the television receiver 12 about the data format to be supported (E) (step S105). ). This inquiry corresponds to “(2) Query of format information” in FIG.

  After step S105, the mobile phone terminal 11 receives information on the data format supported by the television receiver, which is sent from the television receiver 12 as an inquiry result (step S106).

  The mobile phone terminal refers to the received data format information to determine whether the television receiver 12 supports the data format of the captured image that the user has instructed to display (step S107).

  In step S107, when the television receiver 12 determines that the data format of the captured image for which the user has instructed image display is supported, the mobile phone terminal 11 transmits the captured image data to the television receiver 12 ( Step S108). Then, after the transmission of the captured image data is finished, this processing routine is finished.

  At this time, the television receiver 12 that has received the captured image data from the mobile phone terminal 11 through the network 10 performs a decoding process according to the data format supported by the own device, and displays the captured image on the display screen 12A. Display it.

  However, as described above, in this example, the data format of the captured image data is GIF, and the television receiver 12 does not support this data format as shown in FIG.

  Therefore, the mobile phone terminal 11 determines in step S107 that the television receiver 12 does not support the data format of the captured image that the user has instructed to display an image. Then, the mobile phone terminal 11 searches the electronic devices on the network 10 for electronic devices that can convert the data format of the captured image that the user instructs to display an image into a data format supported by the television receiver 12. (Step S111).

  The cellular phone terminal 11 inquires each electronic device about the data format supported by each electronic device through the network 10, acquires information on the data format supported by each electronic device as shown in FIG. Perform search processing. The search processing in step S111 corresponds to “(3) Query about whether or not format conversion is possible” in FIG.

  As a result of the search, it is determined whether or not there is an electronic device on the network 10 that can convert the data format (step S112). In step S112, when it is determined that there is no electronic device on the network 10 that can convert the data format, the mobile phone terminal 11 informs the user that it cannot be reproduced by a display screen or voice. Notification is made (step S113). Then, this processing routine ends.

  The reproduction disabled notification in step S113 can be performed only by DMP in the past, but in this embodiment, the user uses the mobile phone terminal 11 which is an electronic device having the DMS function that is instructed by the user through the user interface. Can be done.

  Next, when it is determined in step S112 that an electronic device (referred to as a corresponding device) that can convert the data format is on the network 10, the mobile phone terminal 11 inquires of the corresponding device about a function to be supported (step S112). S114). In the example of FIGS. 2 and 3, the corresponding device is a personal computer 13.

  Following step S114, the mobile phone terminal 11 receives information on the function to be supported from the corresponding device (step S115), and the corresponding device transmits image data to another device with reference to the received information. It is determined whether or not a function is provided (step S116).

  If it is determined in step S116 that the corresponding device does not have a function of transmitting image data to another device, the mobile phone terminal 11 proceeds to step S113 and notifies the user that reproduction is impossible.

  If it is determined in step S116 that the corresponding device has a function of transmitting image data to another device, the mobile phone terminal 11 sends the data transmission destination information (MAC address and IP address after data format conversion) to the corresponding device. Address) is sent (step S117). The processing in step S117 corresponds to “(4) Notification of data transmission destination information after format conversion” in FIG.

  Next, the cellular phone terminal 11 sends a data format conversion request to the corresponding device (step S118). This data format conversion request includes information indicating the data format before conversion and the data format after conversion.

  Next, the mobile phone terminal 11 transmits the captured image data to the corresponding device through the network 10 (step S119). Then, after the transmission of the captured image data is finished, this processing routine is finished.

  The processing in step S118 and step S119 corresponds to “(5) Format conversion request and data transmission” in FIG.

  The captured image data sent in step S119 is the data format (JPEG or PNG) supported by the television receiver 12 from the data format (GIF) in the mobile phone terminal 11 by the corresponding device (the personal computer 13 in the example of FIG. 2). ). This process corresponds to “(6) Format conversion” in FIG.

  Then, the captured image data after the data format conversion is transmitted from the corresponding device to the television receiver 12 which is the transmission destination designated from the mobile phone terminal 11. This process corresponds to “(7) Format-converted data transmission” in FIG.

  The television receiver 12 that has received the captured image data sent from the corresponding device via the network 10 performs a decoding process according to the supported data format, and displays the captured image on the display screen 12A. This process corresponds to “(8) Data display” in FIG.

  As described above, even if the content use device does not support the data format of the content data sent from the content sending device having the DMS function, the format is automatically converted and reproduced on the content use device. Is used. In this case, the user only needs to perform an operation of instructing the use of the selected content in the content use device on the content transmission device, and the data format conversion process is automatically performed.

  In the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5, the content sending device is a mobile phone terminal and the content using device is a television receiver. However, this is an example of a specific device for easy understanding. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this example.

  Next, FIG. 6 illustrates a processing operation in the corresponding device in the above-described embodiment. In the above example, the corresponding device is the personal computer 13 and will be described as processing of the personal computer 13.

  First, the personal computer 13 determines whether or not an inquiry about a function to be supported has been received (step S121). If it is determined that the personal computer 13 has received the function, the personal computer 13 transmits information about the function supported by the device to the inquired device (step S122). Then, this processing routine ends.

  The processing in step S121 and step S122 is processing corresponding to “(1) Inquiry of supported function” in FIG.

  Further, when it is determined that the inquiry about the function to be supported has not been received, the personal computer 13 determines whether an inquiry about the data format to be supported has been received (step S123). If it is determined in step S123 that an inquiry about the supported data format has been received, the personal computer 13 transmits information on the supported data format to the inquired device (step S124). Then, this processing routine ends.

  The processing in step S123 and step S124 is processing corresponding to “(2) Inquiry of supported data format” in FIG.

  If the personal computer 13 determines in step S123 that it has not received an inquiry about the supported data format, it determines whether or not it has received the data transmission destination information after the data format conversion (step S125).

  If it is determined in step S125 that the data transmission destination information after the data format conversion has not been received, the personal computer 13 returns to step S121. If it is determined in step S125 that the data transmission destination information after the data format conversion has been received, the personal computer 13 temporarily holds the transmission destination information (step S126).

  Then, the personal computer 13 waits for a data format conversion request (step S127).

  If it is determined in step S127 that a data format conversion request has been received, the personal computer 13 thereafter converts the data format of the image data sent to that specified by the data format conversion request. Then, the personal computer 13 sends the data after the data format conversion to the transmission destination using the transmission destination information (MAC address and IP address) temporarily held in step S126 (step S128). Thus, this processing routine is finished.

  The process of step S128 is a process corresponding to “(7) Format-converted data transmission” in FIG.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment described above, among the five pieces of information shown in FIG. 2, (D) the supported function and (E) the supported data format are determined by the content transmission device using the content from the user. When there was an instruction, I made an inquiry and get it.

  On the other hand, in the second embodiment, (D) supported functions and (E) supported data formats are connected to the network 10 together with the information of (A) to (C). Sometimes, a content transmission device provided with a controller acquires it.

  FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of processing executed by the content transmission apparatus when connected to the network.

  The controller of the content transmission apparatus determines whether or not information on devices newly connected to the network 10, that is, information on (A) to (C), has been received (step S131). When it is determined in step S131 that the information of (A) to (C) has been received, the controller of the content transmission apparatus determines that a device is newly connected to the network 10, and The function to be supported is inquired (step S132).

  Next, the controller of the content transmission apparatus receives information on the function supported from the newly connected device, and additionally stores it in the holding memory (step S133). Next, the controller of the content transmission apparatus inquires the newly connected device about the data format to be supported (step S134).

  Next, the controller of the content transmission apparatus receives information on the data format supported from the newly connected device, and additionally stores it in the holding memory (step S135). Thus, the process when there is a newly connected device is completed.

  According to the processing of FIG. 7, in the second embodiment, the content transmission apparatus, for example, the mobile phone terminal 11, acquires all the five pieces of information of each device as shown in FIG. Can be stored.

  For this reason, in the second embodiment, data transmission with the above-described data format can be realized by using the acquired data of the holding memory. According to the second embodiment, when there is a content reproduction instruction from the user, it is not necessary to inquire each device about the support function and the support format information through the network 10, so that the processing can be performed quickly. There is a merit that it is done.

[Processing Operation of Content Sending Device in Second Embodiment]
The processing operation of the content sending apparatus in the second embodiment under the same conditions as in the first embodiment will be described below. That is, this is an operation when the user instructs the television receiver 12 to display the captured image from the mobile phone terminal 11.

  FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are flowcharts for explaining the processing operation of the mobile phone terminal 11 as an example of the content transmission device in the second embodiment.

  In this example, the user instructs the mobile phone terminal 11 to display the captured image held by the mobile phone terminal 11 on the large screen 12A of the television receiver 12 through the user interface. Then, the microcomputer of the mobile phone terminal 11 executes processing as described below in accordance with the above-described controller software program stored in the program memory.

  In the second embodiment, the cellular phone terminal 11 refers to the holding memory and checks the function supported by the television receiver 12 that should request the display of the captured image (step S141).

  Next, the mobile phone terminal 11 determines whether or not the television receiver 12 has a reproduction function of the captured image from the check result of step S141 (step S142). In the case of FIG. 3, since the television receiver 12 has an image viewer function, it is determined that the captured image has a reproduction function.

  In this step S142, when it is determined that the television receiver 12 does not have a reproduction function of the captured image, the mobile phone terminal 11 displays on the display screen that the reproduction is impossible, or notifies by voice, This is notified to the user (step S143). Then, this processing routine ends.

  Next, when it is determined in step S142 that the television receiver 12 has a reproduction function of the captured image, the cellular phone terminal 11 checks the holding memory and checks the data format supported by the television receiver 12 ( Step S144).

  From the check result in step S144, the mobile phone terminal 11 determines whether or not the television receiver 12 supports the data format of the captured image that the user has instructed to display an image (step S145).

  If it is determined in step S145 that the television receiver 12 supports the data format of the captured image for which the user has instructed image display, the mobile phone terminal 11 transmits the captured image data to the television receiver 12 (step S145). S146). Then, after the transmission of the captured image data to the television receiver 12, the processing routine is terminated.

  At this time, the television receiver 12 that has received the captured image data from the mobile phone terminal 11 through the network 10 performs a decoding process according to the data format supported by the own device, and displays the captured image on the display screen 12A. Display it.

  However, as described above, in this example, the data format of the captured image data is GIF, and the television receiver 12 does not support this data format as shown in FIG.

  Therefore, the mobile phone terminal 11 determines in step S145 that the television receiver 12 does not support the data format of the captured image that the user has instructed to display an image.

  Then, the mobile phone terminal 11 can refer to the holding memory, and can convert the data format of the captured image instructed by the user to display an image from the electronic devices on the network 10 to a format supported by the television receiver 12. Search for an electronic device (step S151).

  As a result of this search, it is determined whether or not there is an electronic device on the network 10 that can convert the data format (step S152). In step S152, when it is determined that the electronic device capable of converting the data format is not on the network 10, the mobile phone terminal 11 notifies the user through the display screen and sound that playback is impossible. (Step S153). Then, this processing routine ends.

  Next, when it is determined in step S152 that an electronic device (referred to as a corresponding device) that can convert the data format is on the network 10, the mobile phone terminal 11 refers to the holding memory and the corresponding device supports it. The function to be checked is checked (step S154). In the example of FIG. 3, the corresponding device is a personal computer 13.

  Then, based on the check result in step S154, the mobile phone terminal 11 determines whether or not the corresponding device has a function of transmitting image data to another device (step S155).

  If it is determined in step S155 that the corresponding device does not have a function of transmitting image data to another device, the mobile phone terminal 11 proceeds to step S153 and notifies the user that reproduction is impossible.

  If it is determined in step S155 that the corresponding device has a function of transmitting image data to another device, the mobile phone terminal 11 sends the data transmission destination information after the data format conversion to the corresponding device (step S156). ).

  Next, the mobile phone terminal 11 sends a data format conversion request to the corresponding device (step S157). This data format conversion request includes information indicating the data format before conversion and the data format after conversion.

  Next, the mobile phone terminal 11 transmits the captured image data to the corresponding device through the network 10 (step S158). Then, after the transmission of the captured image data is finished, this processing routine is finished.

  The captured image data sent in step S158 is the data format (JPEG or PNG) supported by the television receiver 12 from the data format (GIF) in the mobile phone terminal 11 by the corresponding device (the personal computer 13 in the example of FIG. 3). ).

  Then, the captured image data after the data format conversion is transmitted from the corresponding device to the television receiver 12 which is the transmission destination designated from the mobile phone terminal 11.

  The television receiver 12 that has received the captured image data sent from the corresponding device via the network 10 performs a decoding process according to the supported data format, and displays the captured image on the display screen 12A.

  As described above, also in the second embodiment, the data format of the content data transmitted from the content transmission device is automatically converted even if the content utilization device does not support the content utilization device. In the case of playback, etc. are used. In this case, the user only needs to perform an operation of instructing the use of the selected content in the content use device on the content transmission device, and the data format conversion process is automatically performed.

  In the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9, the content sending device is a mobile phone terminal and the content using device is a television receiver, but this is an example of a specific device for easy understanding. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this example.

<Third Embodiment>
In both the first and second embodiments described above, the content transmission apparatus that has both the DMS function and the controller function receives the user's operation instruction, supports the supported function and data format, and the data format. Processed conversion requests.

  However, the present invention may be configured such that the content utilization apparatus accepts a user's operation instruction and performs processing such as a function to be supported and a data format inquiry and a data format conversion request. The third embodiment is an example in that case.

[Description of data transmission with format conversion in the third embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of format conversion and data transmission that are automatically performed without user operation in the third embodiment.

  Here, the configuration of the network system is the same as that of the above-described embodiment shown in FIG. The functions and data formats supported by each device connected to the network 10 are also the same as those in the above-described embodiment shown in FIG. However, in the third embodiment, the television receiver 12 which is a DMP is provided with a controller that is DLNA compatible and extended to realize the function as in the above-described embodiment.

  In the example of FIG. 10, the user operates the user interface provided by the television receiver 12 in the television receiver 12, and the captured image data held by the mobile phone terminal 11 is stored in the television receiver 12. This is a case where an instruction to display on the large screen 12A is given.

  In the example of FIG. 10, the television receiver 12 does not support the data format of the image content transmitted from the mobile phone terminal 11 as in the above-described embodiment. The personal computer 13 has a function of converting the data format of the image content transmitted from the mobile phone terminal 11 into the data format of the image data supported by the television receiver 12.

  In the example of FIG. 10, the television receiver 12 that is an embodiment of the content utilization device receives the five pieces of information (A) to (E) from the mobile phone terminal 11 and the personal computer 13 through the network 10. , And the processing described below is executed.

  Also in FIG. 10, as in the case of the example of FIG. 2, the comments with the numbers (1) to (8) indicate the contents of the processing performed in the order of the numbers.

[Processing Operation of Television Receiver 12 (Embodiment of Content Using Device)]
Next, the processing operation performed by the television receiver 12 as the embodiment of the content use apparatus when the processing procedures from (1) to (8) in FIG. 10 are performed will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. While explaining.

  As described above, the electronic device connected to the network 10 such as the television receiver 12 acquires the information (A) to (C) when each electronic device is connected to the network 10. Accordingly, the television receiver 12 provides the user with a user interface including a list of contents provided by an electronic device having a DMS function that provides (sends) image data and audio data in response to a request from the user.

  In this example, the user instructs to select the captured image content held by the mobile phone terminal 11 through the user interface displayed on the screen of the television receiver 12, and the content is displayed on the large screen 12 </ b> A of the television receiver 12. Instruct to display. Then, the microcomputer of the television receiver 12 executes processing as described below in accordance with the above-described controller software program stored in the program memory.

  First, the television receiver 12 inquires of the cellular phone terminal 11 that provides a captured image about the data format of the provided captured image content through the network 10 (step S201). This inquiry corresponds to “(1) Query for format information” in FIG.

  In this case, the inquiry uses the MAC address and IP address of the mobile phone terminal 11 already acquired by the television receiver 12. In the following, when each electronic device makes an inquiry through the network 10, the MAC address and IP address of the target device already acquired are used.

  Next, the television receiver 12 receives information on the data format of the content from the mobile phone terminal 11 (step S202), and determines whether or not the own device supports the data format (step S203).

  When it is determined in step S203 that the television receiver 12 itself supports the data format of the captured image for which the user has instructed to display an image, the television receiver 12 informs the mobile phone terminal 11 of the captured image designation information and Then, information (MAC address or IP address) of the television receiver 12 is notified as transmission destination information of the image data of the captured image (step S204).

  In response to this notification, image data of the designated captured image is sent from the mobile phone terminal 11, so that the television receiver 12 receives and decodes the captured image data, and displays the display screen 12A. (Step S205). Then, this processing routine ends.

  However, as described above, in this example, the data format of the captured image data is GIF, and the television receiver 12 does not support this data format as shown in FIG.

  Therefore, the television receiver 12 determines in step S203 that the data format of the captured image for which the user has instructed image display is not supported. Then, the television receiver 12 searches the electronic devices on the network 10 for an electronic device that can convert the data format of the captured image instructed by the user to display an image into a data format supported by the television receiver 12. (Step S206).

  The television receiver 12 inquires each electronic device via the network 10 about the data format supported by each electronic device, acquires information on the data format supported by each electronic device as shown in FIG. Perform search processing. The search process in step S206 corresponds to “(2) Query about whether or not format conversion is possible” in FIG.

  Then, as a result of the search, it is determined whether or not there is an electronic device (hereinafter referred to as a corresponding device) capable of converting the data format on the network 10 (step S207). When it is determined in step S207 that the corresponding device is not on the network 10, the television receiver 12 notifies the user that it cannot be reproduced by a display screen or sound (step S208). Then, this processing routine ends.

  Next, when it is determined in step S207 that the corresponding device is on the network 10, the television receiver 12 inquires about the function supported by the corresponding device (step S211). In the example of FIGS. 2 and 3, the corresponding device is a personal computer 13.

  Following step S211, the television receiver 12 receives information on functions to be supported from the corresponding device (step S212), and the corresponding device transmits image data to another device with reference to the received information. It is determined whether or not a function is provided (step S213).

  When it is determined in step S213 that the corresponding device does not have a function of transmitting image data to another device, the television receiver 12 proceeds to step S208 and notifies the user that reproduction is impossible.

  When it is determined in step S213 that the corresponding device has a function of transmitting image data to another device, the television receiver 12 sends the data transmission source information of the image data before the data format conversion to the corresponding device. . Further, the television receiver 12 sends the data transmission destination information after the data format conversion to the corresponding device (step S214). The processing in step S214 corresponds to “(3) Notification of data transmission source information before format conversion” in FIG.

  Next, the television receiver 12 notifies the mobile phone terminal 11 of the information (MAC information and IP address information) of the corresponding device as the transmission destination information of the image data, and also requests the transmission destination to convert the data format. Is sent (step S215). This data format conversion request includes information indicating the data format before conversion and the data format after conversion. The processing in step S215 corresponds to “(4) Notification of data transmission destination information before format conversion” in FIG.

  After step S215, the process proceeds to step S205, where the television receiver 12 receives the captured image data sent from the personal computer 13 which is the corresponding device, decodes it, and displays it on the display screen 12A. The processing in step S205 corresponds to “(8) Data display” in FIG. Then, the television receiver 12 ends this processing routine.

  At this time, the mobile phone terminal 11 sends a data format conversion request to the corresponding device specified by the transmission destination information based on the transmission destination information and the data format conversion request instruction sent from the television receiver 12 in step S215. Send image data. As described above, this data format conversion request includes the data format before conversion and the information of the data format after conversion. This processing corresponds to “(5) Format conversion request and data transmission” in FIG.

  The corresponding device (in this example, the personal computer 13) receives the data format conversion request and the image data, and performs a data format conversion process on the image data received from the mobile phone terminal 11. This process corresponds to “(6) Format conversion” in FIG.

  Then, the corresponding device (in this example, the personal computer 13) sends the captured image data after the data format conversion to the television receiver 12 indicated by the transmission destination information after the data format conversion received from the television receiver 12. This process corresponds to “(7) Format-converted data transmission” in FIG.

  As described above, the television receiver 12 receives the image data and displays a display image based on the image data on the display screen 12A in step S205.

[Example of Processing Operation of Mobile Phone Terminal (Content Transmission Device) in Third Embodiment]
Next, an example of the processing operation of the mobile phone terminal 11 performed in accordance with the processing operation of the television receiver 12 as described above in the third embodiment is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  That is, the mobile phone terminal 11 determines whether or not an inquiry about the data format of the designated content has been received (step S221). When it is determined that the inquiry has been received, the cellular phone terminal 11 transmits the data format information of the designated content to the inquiring device (in this example, the television receiver 12) (step S222). Then, this processing routine ends.

  If it is determined in step S221 that an inquiry about the data format of the designated content has not been received, the cellular phone terminal 11 proceeds to step S223. In step S223, the mobile phone terminal 11 determines whether or not the transmission destination information of the image data before the data format conversion of the designated image content has been received. As described in step S215 described above, the notification of the transmission destination information of the image data before the data format conversion includes an instruction to send a format conversion request to the destination of the transmission destination information.

  If it is determined in step S223 that the transmission destination information of the image data before the data format conversion of the designated image content has not been received, the cellular phone terminal 11 returns to step S221. If it is determined in step S223 that the transmission destination information of the image data before the data format conversion of the designated image content has been received, the cellular phone terminal 11 proceeds to step S224.

  In step S224, the cellular phone terminal 11 uses the received transmission destination information and sends a format conversion request to the transmission destination (corresponding device) based on an instruction to send the format conversion request to the destination of the transmission destination information. Send (step S224). In addition, the cellular phone terminal 11 sends the image data of the designated captured image using the received transmission destination information (step S225). Then, after the transmission of the captured image data is finished, this processing routine is finished. The processing in steps S224 and S225 corresponds to “(5) Format conversion request and data transmission” in FIG.

[Example of processing operation of corresponding device (in this example, personal computer) in the third embodiment]
Next, in the third embodiment, an example of a processing operation of a personal computer as an example of a corresponding device performed in accordance with the processing operation as described above is shown in a flowchart of FIG.

  First, the personal computer 13 determines whether or not an inquiry about a function to be supported has been received (step S231). If it is determined that the personal computer 13 has received the function, the personal computer 13 transmits information on the function supported by the device to the inquired device (step S231). S232). Then, this processing routine ends.

  Further, when it is determined that the inquiry about the function to be supported has not been received, the personal computer 13 determines whether an inquiry about the data format to be supported has been received (step S233). If it is determined in step S233 that an inquiry about the supported data format has been received, the personal computer 13 transmits information on the supported data format to the inquired device (step S234). Then, this processing routine ends.

  The processing in step S233 and step S234 is processing corresponding to “(1) inquiry about format information” and “(2) inquiry about whether format conversion is possible” in FIG.

  If the personal computer 13 determines in step S233 that an inquiry about the supported data format has not been received, the process proceeds to step S235. In step S235, the personal computer 13 determines whether or not the data transmission source information before the data format conversion and the data transmission destination information after the data format conversion have been received.

  When it is determined that the transmission source information and the transmission destination information are not received, the personal computer 13 returns to step S231. When determining that the transmission source information and the transmission destination information have been received, the personal computer 13 temporarily holds the transmission source information and the transmission destination information (step S236).

  Then, the personal computer 13 waits for a data format conversion request (step S237).

  If it is determined in step S237 that a data format conversion request has been received, the personal computer 13 thereafter converts the data format of the image data sent to that specified by the data format conversion request. Then, the personal computer 13 sends the data after the data format conversion to the transmission destination using the transmission destination information (MAC address and IP address) temporarily held in step S236 (step S238). Thus, this processing routine is finished.

  The processing in step S238 is processing corresponding to “(6) Format conversion” and “(7) Format-converted data transmission” in FIG.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the content instructed by the user is automatically used in the content utilization device. In other words, the user simply needs to perform an operation of instructing the use of the content of the selected content transmission device by the content using device, and the data format conversion process is automatically performed. It is.

<Other embodiments and modifications>
It goes without saying that the data formats in the present invention include both those with data compression and those without data compression. The data format shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example, and it goes without saying that the data format is not limited to this.

  In the above-described embodiment, the DLNA guideline is used as a guideline for exchanging data through the network. However, this is an example, and the present invention can be applied to other guidelines and standards.

It is a figure which shows the example of the network system containing embodiment of the content transmission apparatus by this invention. It is a figure used in order to demonstrate the processing operation by 1st Embodiment of the content transmission apparatus by this invention. It is a figure used in order to demonstrate the processing operation by 1st Embodiment of the content transmission apparatus by this invention. It is a figure which shows a part of flowchart for demonstrating an example of the processing operation by 1st Embodiment of the content transmission apparatus by this invention. It is a figure which shows a part of flowchart for demonstrating an example of the processing operation by 1st Embodiment of the content transmission apparatus by this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart for demonstrating the processing operation of the other apparatus accompanying an example of the processing operation by 1st Embodiment of the content transmission apparatus by this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart for demonstrating an example of the processing operation by 2nd Embodiment of the content transmission apparatus by this invention. It is a figure which shows a part of flowchart for demonstrating an example of the processing operation by 2nd Embodiment of the content transmission apparatus by this invention. It is a figure which shows a part of flowchart for demonstrating an example of the processing operation by 2nd Embodiment of the content transmission apparatus by this invention. It is a figure used in order to demonstrate the processing operation by embodiment of the content utilization apparatus by this invention. It is a figure which shows a part of flowchart for demonstrating an example of the processing operation by embodiment of the content utilization apparatus by this invention. It is a figure which shows a part of flowchart for demonstrating an example of the processing operation by embodiment of the content utilization apparatus by this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart for demonstrating the processing operation of the other apparatus accompanying an example of the processing operation by embodiment of the content utilization apparatus by this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart for demonstrating the processing operation of the other apparatus accompanying an example of the processing operation by embodiment of the content utilization apparatus by this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the conventional network system.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Mobile phone terminal (content transmission apparatus), 12 ... Television receiver (content utilization apparatus), 13 ... Personal computer

Claims (13)

Connected to the network to which a plurality of devices having an interface compliant with one specific specification as a specification for exchanging contents between a plurality of devices connected on the network is compliant with the specification And interface means for exchanging content between a plurality of devices,
Accepting means for accepting an instruction input from a user to use content from its own device on the first device on the network;
Checking means for checking whether the first device supports the data format prior to sending the content when the instruction input is received by the receiving means;
When the checking means determines that the data format is not supported, the data format can be converted into a data format supported by the first device among the devices connected to the network. Detection means for detecting a second device;
When the second device is detected by the detection means, transmission destination information transmission means for transmitting information of a destination for transmitting content data after the conversion of the data format to the second device;
After transmitting the destination information by the transmission destination information transmission means, it requests the second device to convert the data format, and sends the content data to the second device as the interface means. Transmission means for transmitting through,
A content transmission apparatus comprising: The content transmission apparatus according to claim 1,
A content sending device comprising means for notifying the user that the use of the content on the first device is not possible when the detection device cannot detect the second device. The content transmission apparatus according to claim 1,
Another check means for checking whether the first device supports a function of using the content when the instruction input is received by the receiving means;
When the first device supports the function of using the content by the other check means, the check device is executed, and the first device uses the content. A content transmission device comprising means for notifying the user that the content cannot be used on the first device when the function is not supported. The content transmission apparatus according to claim 1,
The check means checks whether the first device supports the data format by making an inquiry to the first device;
The content sending device for detecting a second device that can convert the data into a data format supported by the first device by inquiring each of the devices connected to the network. The content transmission apparatus according to claim 1,
From each of the devices connected to the network, the information on the data format supported by each device is acquired in advance, and includes means for holding in the storage unit,
The check means checks whether the first device supports the data format by referring to information stored in the storage unit,
The content sending device that detects a second device that can convert the data into a data format supported by the first device by referring to information stored in the storage unit. In the content transmission apparatus in any one of Claims 1-5,
The specific one specification is a specification corresponding to a DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) guideline. A content sending device having an interface that complies with one specific specification as a specification for exchanging content between a plurality of devices connected on a network receives content from the user from the user's own device. A reception step of receiving an instruction input to be used in a content use device having an interface that is connected to the specification and conforms to the specification;
A check step for checking whether or not the content use device supports the data format prior to sending the content when the content sending device accepts the instruction input in the accepting step;
When the content sending device determines in the checking step that the data format is not supported, the content using device supports the data format among the devices connected to the network. A detection process for detecting another device that can be converted to a data format;
Destination information transmission step of transmitting information of a destination for transmitting content data after conversion of the data format to the other device when the content transmission device detects the other device in the detection step When,
In the transmission destination information transmission step, the content transmission device transmits the information on the destination to the other device, and then requests the other device to convert the data format, and the other device. And transmitting the content data through the network;
A content transmission method comprising: Connected to the network to which a plurality of devices having an interface compliant with one specific specification as a specification for exchanging contents between a plurality of devices connected on the network is compliant with the specification A first interface means for exchanging contents between a plurality of devices;
Functional means for using content from a first device comprising second interface means compliant with the specification;
Accepting means for accepting an instruction input from the user to use the content from the first device in its own device;
Check means for checking the data format of the content from the first device prior to use of the content from the first device when the instruction input is received by the reception means;
When it is determined by the checking means that the device does not support the data format, the data format is changed to a data format supported by the device in the devices connected to the network. Detection means for detecting a second device that can be converted;
When the second device is detected by the detection means, information on the transmission source of the content data before the data format conversion is transmitted to the second device, and the content data after the data format conversion is transmitted. First transmission information transmission means for transmitting information of a destination to which the information is transmitted;
When the second device is detected by the detecting means, the second device information is transmitted to the first device as information on the other device to which the content data is transmitted. Second transmission information transmission means for instructing to send a data format conversion request to
With
A content utilization apparatus that receives data of the content after conversion of the data format sent from the second device through the network through the interface means and performs processing by the functional means. The content use device according to claim 8, wherein
A content use apparatus comprising means for notifying the user that the use of the content from the first device is not possible when the detection device cannot detect the second device. The content use device according to claim 8, wherein
The check means checks the data format of the content from the first device by making an inquiry to the first device,
The content detecting device detects a second device that can convert to a data format supported by the device by making an inquiry to each device connected to the network. The content use device according to claim 8, wherein
From each of the devices connected to the network, the information on the data format supported by each device is acquired in advance, and includes means for holding in the storage unit,
The check means checks the data format of the content of the first device by referring to information held in the storage unit,
The content utilization device that detects a second device that can convert the data into a data format supported by the device by referring to information stored in the storage unit. In the content utilization apparatus in any one of Claims 8-11,
The specific one specification is a specification corresponding to a DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) guideline. A content utilization device having an interface that conforms to one specific specification as a specification for exchanging content between a plurality of devices connected on a network automatically receives content from a content transmission device from a user. A reception process for receiving an instruction input to be used in the device;
A check step of checking a data format of the content from the content transmission device prior to use of the content from the content transmission device when the content utilization device receives the instruction input in the reception step;
When the content using apparatus determines in the checking step that the apparatus does not support the data format, the content using apparatus converts the data format among the apparatuses connected to the network. A detection process that detects another device that can be converted to a data format supported by
When the content use apparatus detects the second device in the detection step, the content use device transmits information on the transmission source of the content data before the data format conversion to the other device and converts the data format. A first transmission information transmission step of transmitting information of a destination to which data of subsequent content is transmitted;
When the content use device detects the other device in the detection step, the content use device transmits information of the content use device as information of a counterpart to which the content data is transmitted, and A second transmission information transmission step for instructing the counterpart to send a data format conversion request;
With
Content in which the content use device receives the content data after the conversion of the data format sent from the content use device through the network, and uses the received content data. Transmission method.

Images