JP2012060467A - Video content reproducing device, video content reproducing method, and computer program for the method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a video content reproducing device capable of performing closed-captioned fast-forward reproduction of a closed-captioned content distributed from the outside via a network.SOLUTION: A video content reproducing device 110 designates a caption start time of a content and a reproducing range from the caption start time to obtain the content including caption data and video data from a distribution server 100, then calculates a caption start time of a content to be obtained next on the basis of a caption start time 301 and a reproduction time 302 included in the caption data, then designates the caption start time and the reproduction time to obtain the next content from the distribute server 100, then calculates a fast-forward reproduction time of a video frame corresponding to the caption of the caption data included in the video data on the basis of the number of characters of the caption extracted from the caption data, and then displays the caption data and the video frame as a still image for the fast-forward reproduction time.

Description

  The present invention relates to a video content playback apparatus, a video content playback method, and a computer program, and is particularly suitable for use in playback of content with captions.

  An apparatus having a function of displaying subtitles together with video during fast-forward playback has been disclosed in order to grasp the contents in a short time when playing back a content such as a recorded broadcast program (see Patent Document 1). In the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a still image cut out from video data is also displayed in accordance with the switching and display of subtitle character strings in order. More specifically, first, a caption character string is extracted from video data, and the caption character string and a still image corresponding to the caption character string are used as summary content. Then, the display switching timing for a plurality of subtitle character strings and still images constituting the summary content is determined based on the subtitle character strings. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, fast playback with subtitles is realized in this way.

JP 2009-76970 A

However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to once read all data of content, analyze caption information, and create summary content according to the caption. For this reason, it is not possible to create summary content in the content playback device for content (particularly content that cannot be recorded) delivered from the server to the content playback device via the network, and to perform quick playback with subtitles. There are challenges.
The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable fast-playing with captions of content with captions distributed from outside via a network.

  The video content playback apparatus according to the present invention is a video content playback apparatus that acquires and plays back content including video data and caption data from an external device via a network, the time position of the content, and the time position of the content. A requesting means for requesting the external device via the network to acquire the content within the specified range, and the content requested by the requesting means via the network. A video frame corresponding to a subtitle based on subtitle data included in the content acquired by the acquisition unit, out of video frames acquired from the video data included in the content acquired by the acquisition unit; Output means for outputting the caption as a still image, and the acquisition means Determination means for determining the time position of the content to be acquired next based on the subtitle display start timing obtained from the subtitle data included in the acquired content and the playback time of the subtitle. Features.

  According to the present invention, the subtitle display start timing and the subtitle playback time are specified, the content in the specified range is sequentially acquired from the external device, and the subtitle and the video frame corresponding to the subtitle are captured as a still image. Are output sequentially. Accordingly, it is possible to perform quick playback with captions of content with captions distributed from the outside via the network.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the video content reproduction apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between video data and subtitle data in the case of reproducing | regenerating a content normally. It is a figure which shows the data structure of subtitle data. It is a sequence diagram explaining a content acquisition process. It is a figure which shows the data of the content transmitted from a delivery server. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of a content acquisition process. It is a figure showing the relationship between video data and subtitle data in the case of performing quick-play with subtitles. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of a quick-view reproduction process with a caption. It is a figure which shows the structure of the video content reproduction apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of a content request process. It is a sequence diagram explaining a content acquisition process. It is a figure showing the reproduction | regeneration timing of video data and subtitle data in the case of performing quick-view reproduction with a subtitle in a table format. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of a quick-view reproduction process with a caption.

(First embodiment)
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a video content playback apparatus.
The video content reproduction apparatus 110 is connected to the distribution server 100 via the network 101 so as to be able to communicate with each other.
The network communication unit 111 requests the distribution server 100 to acquire content via the network 101. Further, the network communication unit 111 receives content transmitted from the distribution server 100 via the network 101. The content received by the network communication unit 111 is separated into video data and caption data by the demultiplexer 112.

The video data separated by the demultiplexer 112 is decoded by the video decoder 113. The video decoder 113 is a video decoder for decompressing video data compressed in a compression format such as MPEG-2 Video.
The caption data separated by the demultiplexer 112 is decoded by the caption decoder 114. The caption decoder 114 extracts the caption text data encoded from the caption data, and decodes the caption text data. Furthermore, the subtitle decoder 114 extracts the subtitle start time (subtitle display start time), subtitle playback time, and subtitle character number from the subtitle data, and outputs them to the quick-view playback control unit 116.
The video / subtitle blending unit 115 superimposes the video data output from the video decoder 113 and the subtitle sentence data output from the subtitle decoder 114, and outputs the video and the subtitle together with video. An image based on the video output is displayed on a display device connected to the video content reproduction device 110.

  The quick-view playback control unit 116 calculates the start time of the content to be acquired next based on the caption start time and the caption playback time input from the caption decoder 114. The fast-play playback control unit 116 controls fast-play playback based on the closed caption disclosure time and the number of closed caption characters. The processing of the quick-play reproduction control unit 116 will be described in detail in the explanation after FIG.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between video data and subtitle data when the content recorded in the distribution server 100 is normally played (single speed playback). Specifically, FIG. 2A is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the reproduction timing of video data and caption data, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of content.
FIG. 2A shows that the caption data J0 is reproduced together with the video data V0 to V1, the caption data J1 is reproduced together with the video data V2 to V6, and the caption data J2 is reproduced together with the video data V7 to V11. Yes.
In FIG. 2B, subtitle data to be reproduced together with video data is arranged immediately before the video data block. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2A, when the video data V0 to V1 and the caption data J0 are reproduced together, the data is arranged in the order of the caption data J0, the video data V0, and V1. Yes. The arrangement order of the video data V2 to V6 and the caption data J1 and the arrangement order of the video data V7 to V11 and the caption data J2 are determined in the same manner as in the case of the video data V0 to V1 and the caption data J0.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of caption data. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure format of caption data. As shown in FIG. 3A, the caption data has a caption start time 301, caption playback time 302, and caption text data 303. FIGS. 3B, 3C, and 3D are diagrams showing specific examples of data structures corresponding to the caption data J0, J1, and J2 shown in FIG. 2, respectively. For example, in FIG. 3B, the subtitle start time is 0: 0: 0 (hours: minutes: seconds, the same applies hereinafter), the subtitle playback time is 2 seconds, and the subtitle text data is “I am sorry” It is shown that. The contents of the caption data shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D are only different from the example shown in FIG. 3B in specific numerical values and caption text data.

Next, an example of content acquisition processing in the video content reproduction apparatus 110 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.
The video content playback apparatus 110 requests the distribution server 100 for content for one second from the content start time = 0: 0: 0 to the end time = 0: 0: 1 (step S401). Here, the reason for requesting the content for one second is that, in the present embodiment, in order to request the content, a time in units of one second is specified by TimeSeekRange of the HTTP-GET command. It is. However, the content request unit is not limited to this, and this also applies to the following sequences.

  In response to the request made in step S401, content data corresponding to 0: 0: 0 to 0: 0: 1 is transmitted from the distribution server 100 to the video content reproduction apparatus 110 (step S402). The content data received by the video content reproduction apparatus 110 in step S402 is shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the video content reproduction apparatus 110 receives subtitle data J0 and video data V0 as content data for one second from 0: 0: 0 to 0: 0: 1. Here, the video data Vn (n = 0, 1,...) Represents video data to be reproduced in one second. For example, when video data for one second is composed of 30 frames, each video data Data Vn represents 30 frames of video data.

The video content reproduction apparatus 110 calculates the next caption start time from the received caption data J0. As shown in FIG. 3B, since the start time of the caption data J0 is 0: 0: 0 and the playback time is 2 seconds, the video content playback apparatus 110 sets the next caption start time to the next (1 ) Is calculated as 0: 0: 2.
Next subtitle start time = current subtitle start time + current subtitle playback time (1)

  Next, the video content reproduction apparatus 110 requests the distribution server 100 for content for one second from the start time 0: 0: 2 to 0: 0: 3 calculated in step S402 (step S403). In response to the request made in step S403, the content data corresponding to 0: 0: 2 to 0: 0: 3 is transmitted from the distribution server 100 to the video content reproduction apparatus 110 (step S404). The content data received by the video content reproduction apparatus 110 in step S404 is shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 5B, the video content reproduction apparatus 110 receives subtitle data J1 and video data V2 as content data for 1 second from 0: 0: 2 to 0: 0: 3. The video content reproduction apparatus 110 calculates the next caption start time from the received caption data J1. As shown in FIG. 3C, since the start time of the caption data J1 is 0: 0: 2 and the playback time is 5 seconds, the video content playback device 110 sets the next caption start time to the formula (1). Thus, 0: 0: 7 is calculated.

  Similarly, the video content reproduction apparatus 110 requests the distribution server 100 for content for one second from the start time 0: 0: 7 to 0: 0: 8 calculated in step S404 (step S405). In response to the request made in step S405, content data corresponding to 0: 0: 7 to 0: 0: 8 is transmitted from the distribution server 100 to the video content reproduction apparatus 110 (step S406). The content data received by the video content reproduction apparatus 110 in step S406 is shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 5C, the video content reproduction apparatus 110 receives subtitle data J2 and video data V7 as content data for one second from 0: 0: 7 to 0: 0: 8. The video content reproduction apparatus 110 calculates the next caption start time from the received caption data J2. As shown in FIG. 3D, since the start time of the caption data J2 is 0: 0: 7 and the playback time is 5 seconds, the video content playback device 110 sets the next caption start time to the formula (1). Is calculated as 0: 0: 12.

Next, an example of the flow of content acquisition processing in the video content reproduction apparatus 110 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, the quick-play reproduction control unit 116 requests content for one second from the start of the content to the distribution server 100 via the network communication unit 111 (step S601). That is, the quick-view reproduction control unit 116 requests the distribution server 100 for content for one second from the content start time = 0: 0: 0 to the end time = 0: 0: 1.
Next, the demultiplexer 112 separates the content received by the network communication unit 111 from the distribution server 100 into video data and caption data, and outputs the caption data to the caption decoder 114 (step S602).

Next, the caption decoder 114 extracts the caption start time, the caption playback time, and the number of caption characters from the caption data, and outputs them to the quick-view playback control unit 116 (step S603).
Next, the quick-view playback control unit 116 calculates the next caption start time based on the caption start time and the caption playback time. Then, the quick-view reproduction control unit 116 sets the next caption start time as the start time of the next content, and requests the content server 100 via the network communication unit 111 for content for one second from the start time of the next content. (Step S604). Further, the processing from step S602 to S604 is repeated until the end of the content. Note that when the processing of steps S602 to S604 is performed until the end of the content, the processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 6 ends.

Next, an example of a quick-view playback process with subtitles in the video content playback apparatus 110 will be described. The quick-view playback process with subtitles uses the obtained subtitle data (for example, J0) and video data (for example, V0), and reproduces a predetermined frame included in the video data as a still image together with the subtitles for a time corresponding to the number of subtitle characters. To do. The reproduction time of this still image is calculated by the following (Formula 2) based on the number of subtitle characters.
Playback time (seconds) = INT ((number of subtitle characters + 9) ÷ 10) (2)
Here, INT (n) is an integer part of n.
Equation (9) shows an example of the playback time of a still image, and the still image playback time is calculated by using other values or referring to a table. Is also possible.
In addition, as a predetermined frame included in the video data, a frame in which the caption data and the PTS (Presentation Time Stamp) match or the first frame in the video data is selected and determined as a frame to be used for a still image.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between video data and caption data when performing fast-play with caption. Specifically, FIG. 7A conceptually shows an example of the playback timing of video data and caption data, and FIG. 7B shows the playback timing of video data and caption data in a table format. FIG.
FIG. 7A shows that the frame F0 of the video data V0 is reproduced as a still image together with the caption data J0. The frame F0 of the caption data J1 and the video data V2 and the frame F0 of the caption data J2 and the video data V7 are similarly reproduced as still images. Here, the frame F0 represents the first frame in the video data Vn (n = 0, 1,...).

  In FIG. 7B, the frame F0 of the video data V0 is reproduced as a still image together with the caption J0, and the reproduction time is 1 second since the number of characters of the caption J0 is 10 (see equation (2)). ). Hereinafter, it is shown that the subtitle J1 (J2) is reproduced as a still image for 3 seconds (2 seconds) as the frame F0 of the video data V2 (V7) in the same manner as the subtitle J0.

Next, an example of the flow of the fast-playing reproduction process with subtitles in the video content reproduction apparatus 110 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The quick-view reproduction control unit 116 acquires the subtitle start time, the subtitle reproduction time, and the number of subtitle characters from the subtitle decoder 114 (step S801), and based on the acquired subtitle character number, the content (subtitle) is obtained using equation (2). Is calculated (step S802).
Next, the quick-view reproduction control unit 116 instructs the video decoder 113 to decode a predetermined frame of video data (for example, the frame F0 of the video data V0) and output it as a still image (step S803). Next, the quick-view reproduction control unit 116 instructs the subtitle decoder 114 to decode subtitle data (for example, J0) and output it as subtitles (step S804). The video / subtitle blending unit 115 superimposes the video data output from the video decoder 113 in step S803 and the subtitle sentence data output from the subtitle decoder 114 in step S804, and outputs the video.

Next, the quick-lookup reproduction control unit 116 determines whether or not the quick-playback time has elapsed (step S805). As a result of the determination, if the quick-play time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S809 described later, and if not, the process proceeds to step S806.
In step S806, the quick-view reproduction control unit 116 determines whether or not the caption data of the next content has already been acquired by the caption decoder 114 (step S806). As a result of this determination, if subtitle data of the next content has already been acquired, the process returns to step S805, and if not acquired, the process proceeds to step S807.

The quick-view playback control unit 116 acquires the next subtitle start time, subtitle playback time, and subtitle character count from the subtitle decoder 114 (step S807), and uses the formula (2) to The content quick playback time is calculated (step S808). Then, the process returns to step S805.
If the result of determination in step S805 is that the content quick-view playback time has elapsed, processing proceeds to step S809. Then, the quick-view reproduction control unit 116 determines whether or not the subtitle data of the next content has already been acquired (step S809). If the subtitle data of the next content has already been acquired as a result of this determination, the quick playback time of the content calculated in step S808 is set as the quick playback time for determining the progress in step S805, and the process returns to step S803. On the other hand, if the fast-playing time of the content has passed but the subtitle data of the next content has not been acquired (No in step S809), the fast-playing control unit 116 determines that the content has ended, and FIG. The process according to the flowchart ends.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the video content playback apparatus 110 specifies the caption start time, which is an example of the time position of content, and 1 second, which is an example of the playback time range. The video content reproduction apparatus 110 acquires content including subtitle data and video data in a specified range from the distribution server 100 which is an example of an external apparatus. The video content playback apparatus 110 calculates the caption start time of the content to be acquired next based on the caption start time 301 and the playback time 302 of the caption data included in the content. Then, the video content reproduction apparatus 110 designates the caption start time and 1 second, and acquires the next content from the distribution server 100. Such processing is repeated until the content is completed. The video content playback apparatus 110 extracts the number of subtitle characters from the subtitle data, and calculates the quick playback time of the video frame corresponding to the subtitle of the subtitle data included in the video data based on the number of characters. The video content playback apparatus 110 displays the acquired content caption data and the video frame corresponding to the caption data of the caption data as a still image for the calculated quick-view playback time. Therefore, it is possible to acquire desired content in consideration of the caption from the distribution server 100 in accordance with the timing of reproducing the caption, and to perform quick-play with caption.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, when content is acquired from the distribution server 100, the acquisition of the content including the video frame corresponding to the start time of the subtitle is requested, and the still image presentation time (early playback time) according to the number of subtitle characters In the above description, an example of performing fast playback is described. However, depending on the content, there are cases where the number of subtitle characters is small even in a long scene such as a scene where music is being played back, and the intervening scene is presented as a still image according to the length of the original scene as well as the number of subtitle characters This makes it easier to understand the content and to play it quickly. As described above, the present embodiment and the first embodiment mainly differ in processing due to the difference in the number of frames (still images) to be displayed for one subtitle when fast-playing is performed. Therefore, in the description of the present embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the video content playback apparatus 901. The video content playback apparatus 901 has a configuration in which a network bandwidth measurement unit 904 and a bit rate calculation unit 905 are added to the video content playback apparatus 110 shown in FIG. It has become.
When the network bandwidth measuring unit 904 receives content from the distribution server 100, the network bandwidth measuring unit 904 measures the network bandwidth and notifies the quick-play reproduction control unit 906. The bit rate calculation unit 905 calculates the bit rate of the content. For example, in the case of MPEG-2TS content, the bit rate can be calculated based on the PCR value. The quick-view reproduction control unit 906 makes a content acquisition request via the network communication unit 111. This acquisition request is made based on the caption start time and caption playback time obtained from the caption data of the content, the network bandwidth acquired from the network bandwidth measuring unit 904, and the bit rate acquired from the bit rate calculating unit 905.

Next, an example of the flow of content request processing in the video content reproduction apparatus 901 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, the quick-view playback control unit 906 requests content including a video frame corresponding to the head of the caption from the distribution server 100 via the network communication unit 111 (step S1001). Then, the quick-play reproduction control unit 906 acquires content corresponding to the request from the distribution server 100 via the network communication unit 111.
Next, the quick-view reproduction control unit 906 compares the content bit rate acquired from the distribution server 100 with the network bandwidth, and determines whether the content bit rate is less than twice the network bandwidth (step S1002). ). If the bit rate of the content is less than twice the network bandwidth as a result of this determination, the processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 10 is terminated. On the other hand, if the bit rate of the content is more than twice the network bandwidth, the process proceeds to step S1003.

The quick-view reproduction control unit 906 determines whether or not the content bit rate is less than four times the network bandwidth (step S1003). As a result of the determination, if the bit rate of the content is four times or more the network bandwidth, the process proceeds to step S1006 described later. On the other hand, if the bit rate of the content is less than 4 times the network bandwidth, the process proceeds to step S1004.
The quick-view reproduction control unit 906 determines whether or not the subtitle reproduction time acquired from the subtitle decoder 114 is 8 seconds or more (step S1004). If the result of this determination is that the subtitle playback time is not 8 seconds or longer, the processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 10 is terminated. On the other hand, if the subtitle playback time is 8 seconds or longer, the process advances to step S1005.

The quick-view playback control unit 906 requests the distribution server 100 to acquire intermediate content from the start of subtitle playback to the end of subtitle playback via the network communication unit 111, and ends the processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 10 (step S1005). ). The quick-view reproduction control unit 906 obtains the number of still images to be reproduced and the interval between them during reproduction of one caption by the following equations (3) and (4).
Number of still images = INT (subtitle playback time ÷ 4) (3)
Still image interval = INT (subtitle playback time / number of still images) (4)
For example, when the subtitle playback time is 10 seconds, from Equation (3) and Equation (4),
Number of still images = INT (10 ÷ 4) = 2
Still image interval = INT (10/2) = 5
And the number of still images and the interval between still images can be obtained. As a result, the quick-view reproduction control unit 906 acquires the content of the fifth second from the still image start time (still image display start time) as intermediate content once. Here, since the number of still images = 2 is 2 including the first frame, the intermediate content is acquired once.

  As described above, if it is determined in step S1003 that the bit rate of the content is four times or more the network bandwidth, the process proceeds to step S1006. The quick-view reproduction control unit 906 determines whether or not the subtitle reproduction time acquired from the subtitle decoder 114 is 4 seconds or more (step S1006). If the result of this determination is that the subtitle playback time is not 4 seconds or longer, the processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 10 is terminated. On the other hand, if the subtitle playback time is 4 seconds or longer, the process proceeds to step S1007. Then, the quick-view playback control unit 906 requests the distribution server 100 via the network communication unit 111 to acquire intermediate content from the start of subtitle playback to the end of subtitle playback, and ends the processing according to the flowchart of FIG. Step S1007). Also in step S1007, as in the processing in step S1005, the number of still images to be reproduced and the interval between them are obtained by the following equations (5) and (6).

Number of still images = INT (subtitle playback time ÷ 2) (5)
Still image interval = INT (subtitle playback time / number of still images) (6)
For example, when the subtitle playback time is 10 seconds, from Equation (5) and Equation (6),
Number of still images = INT (10 ÷ 2) = 5
Still image interval = INT (10 ÷ 5) = 2
And the number of still images and the interval between still images can be obtained. As a result, the quick-view reproduction control unit 906 acquires the content every second second from the still image start time four times as the intermediate content.
Taking the subtitle data J1 and J2 shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D as an example, since the subtitle playback time 302 is 5 seconds, when the bit rate of the content is four times or more of the network bandwidth, The process of step S1007 is performed. As shown below, the number of still images to be played during one subtitle playback and the interval between them can be calculated from equations (5) and (6):
Number of still images = INT (5 ÷ 2) = 2
Still image interval = INT (5 ÷ 2) = 2
Therefore, for the subtitle J1, the content at 0: 0: 4 is added to the subtitle playback time 0: 0: 2, and for the subtitle J2, the content at 0: 0: 9 is added to the subtitle playback time 0: 0: 7. Get content.
In the above description, the case where the bit rate of the content is twice or less than four times the network bandwidth and the number of still images is ¼ or ½ of the subtitle playback time is taken as an example. However, these numbers are for illustrative purposes and are not limited to these numbers.

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of content acquisition processing in the video content playback apparatus 901.
In the sequence shown in FIG. 11, steps S1101 to 1102 for acquiring 0: 0: 4 content are added to the sequence shown in FIG. 4 between steps S404 and S405. In addition, the sequence illustrated in FIG. 11 is a sequence in which steps S1103 to 1104 for acquiring the content of 0: 0: 9 are added to the sequence illustrated in FIG. 4 after step S406.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the playback timing of video data and caption data in the case of performing quick-play with captions.
The reproduction times of the subtitles J0, J1, and J2 are the same as those shown in FIG. 7B of the first embodiment. However, in the first embodiment, one video frame is displayed for one subtitle, whereas in this embodiment, as described above, a plurality of video frames are displayed as still images for one subtitle. It is possible to play. For the subtitle J1, in order to display the frame F0 of the video data V4 in addition to the frame F0 of the video data V2, each video frame is reproduced for 1.5 seconds with respect to 3 seconds as the reproduction time of the subtitle J1. Regarding the playback time of the caption J2, the frame F0 of the video data V2 and the frame F0 of the video data V9 are each played back by 1 second with respect to 2 seconds that is the playback time of the caption J2.

Next, an example of the flow of the quick-playing process with subtitles in the video content playback apparatus 901 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The quick-view playback control unit 906 obtains the caption start time, the caption playback time, and the number of caption characters from the caption decoder 114 (step S1301), and the content (subtitle) using Expression (2) based on the obtained number of caption characters. Is calculated (step S1302).
Next, the quick-view playback control unit 906 calculates the number of still images to be played back during playback of one caption using the formula (3) or the formula (5) (step S1303). This calculation is performed based on the caption reproduction time acquired from the caption decoder 114, the network bandwidth acquired from the network bandwidth measuring unit 904, and the bit rate acquired from the bit rate calculating unit 905.
Next, the fast-playing playback control unit 906 plays back during the playback of one subtitle according to the following equation (7) based on the quick-playing time of the subtitle calculated in step S1302 and the number of still images calculated in step S1303. The reproduction time of each still image to be calculated is calculated (step S1304).
Each still image playback time = quick playback time of subtitles / number of still images (7)
For example, in the case of the caption J1 shown in FIG.
Each still image playback time = 3 ÷ 2 = 1.5
And each still picture reproduction time can be obtained.

  Next, the quick-view reproduction control unit 906 instructs the subtitle decoder 114 to decode subtitle data (for example, J1) and output it as subtitles (step S1305). Next, the quick-view reproduction control unit 906 instructs the video decoder 113 to decode a predetermined frame of video data (for example, the frame F0 of the video data V2) and output it as a still image (step S1306). The video / caption blending unit 115 superimposes the video data output from the video decoder 113 in step S1306 and the caption text data output from the caption decoder 114 in step S1305, and outputs a video.

Next, the quick-view reproduction control unit 906 waits until the still image reproduction time calculated in step S1304 has elapsed (step S1307). When the still image playback time has elapsed, the quick-play playback control unit 906 determines whether or not the quick-play playback time of the subtitle calculated in step S1302 has passed (step S1308). If the result of this determination is that the subtitle quick-view playback time has not elapsed, processing returns to step S1306. Here, the quick-view reproduction control unit 906 instructs the video decoder 113 to decode a predetermined frame of the next video data (for example, the frame F0 of the video data V4) and output it as a still image (step S1306).
On the other hand, if the subtitle quick-view playback time calculated in step S1302 has elapsed, the processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 13 ends.
When processing the next caption data, for example, the flowchart of FIG. 13 may be executed again.

  As described above, in the embodiment, the intermediate content being reproduced with subtitles is acquired according to the bit rate of the content and the network band, and is reproduced together with the subtitles. Therefore, not only one video frame corresponding to subtitles but also a plurality of video frames can be quickly played back, and quick playback with subtitles that can be easily understood is possible.

  Note that, for example, by executing the processes of steps S601, S604, S1001, S1005, and S1007, an example of the request process and the acquisition process is realized, and the determination is performed by executing the processes of steps S604, S1005, and S1007. An example of a process is realized. Further, for example, by executing the processes of steps S802, S808, and S1302, an example of the video output time calculation process is realized, and by executing the processes of steps S803, S804, S1305, and S1306, the process of the output process is performed. An example is realized. For example, an example of a comparison process is realized by executing the processes of steps S1002 and S1003. Further, for example, an example of the video output calculation process is realized by executing the processing of steps S1005 and S1007.

  The above-described embodiments are merely examples of implementation in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical idea or the main features thereof.

(Other examples)
The present invention is also realized by executing the following processing. That is, first, software (computer program) for realizing the functions of the above embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media. Then, the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the computer program.

  100 Distribution server, 110, 901 Video content playback apparatus

Claims (13)

A video content playback apparatus that acquires and plays back content including video data and caption data from an external device via a network,
Request means for designating a time position of the content and a reproduction time range from the time position, and requesting the external device to acquire content in the designated range;
Acquisition means for acquiring the content requested by the request means from the external device via a network;
Of the video frames obtained from the video data included in the content acquired by the acquisition unit, the video frame corresponding to the subtitle based on the subtitle data included in the content acquired by the acquisition unit and the subtitle Output means for outputting video as
Determining means for determining the time position of the content to be acquired next based on the subtitle display start timing obtained from the subtitle data included in the content acquired by the acquisition means and the subtitle playback time; A video content reproduction apparatus comprising: Video output time calculation means for calculating the video output time based on the number of subtitle characters obtained from the caption data included in the content acquired by the acquisition means;
2. The video content reproduction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output means outputs the still image as a video for the time calculated by the video output time calculation means.   The video content playback apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the time position of the content includes a time at which subtitle display in the content is started. Based on the subtitle playback time obtained from the subtitle data included in the content acquired by the acquisition unit, the number of video outputs as the still image when reproducing one subtitle, and the still image is output as a video A video output calculating means for calculating the interval;
The determining unit is based on the subtitle display start timing obtained from the subtitle data included in the content acquired by the acquiring unit, and the number and interval of still images calculated by the video output calculating unit. 4. The video content reproduction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a time position of content to be acquired next is determined. Comparing means for comparing the bit rate of the content acquired by the acquiring means and the bandwidth with the network;
5. The video content reproduction apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the video output calculation unit calculates the number and interval of the still images according to a result of comparison by the comparison unit.   The video output calculation means calculates the number and interval of the still images when the reproduction time of the subtitles obtained from the subtitle data included in the content acquired by the acquisition means is longer than a predetermined time. The video content reproduction apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: A video content playback method for acquiring and playing content having video data and subtitle data from an external device via a network,
A requesting step of designating a time position of the content and a playback time range from the time position, and requesting the external device to acquire content in the designated range;
An acquisition step of acquiring the content requested in the request step from the external device via a network;
Of the video frames obtained from the video data included in the content acquired in the acquisition step, the video frame corresponding to the subtitle based on the subtitle data included in the content acquired in the acquisition step, and the subtitle As an output process to output video as
A determination step of determining a time position of content to be acquired next based on subtitle display start timing and subtitle playback time obtained from subtitle data included in the content acquired by the acquisition step; A video content reproduction method comprising: A video output time calculating step of calculating the video output time based on the number of subtitle characters obtained from the subtitle data included in the content acquired by the acquiring step;
8. The video content reproduction method according to claim 7, wherein in the output step, the still image is output as video for the time calculated in the video output time calculation step.   9. The video content reproduction method according to claim 7, wherein the time position of the content includes a time to start displaying subtitles in the content. Based on the subtitle playback time obtained from the subtitle data included in the content acquired in the acquisition step, the number of video outputs as the still image when reproducing one subtitle, and the still image is output as a video A video output calculating step for calculating the interval;
The determination step is based on subtitle display start timing obtained from the subtitle data included in the content acquired in the acquisition step, and the number and interval of still images calculated in the video output calculation step. 10. The video content reproduction method according to claim 7, wherein a time position of content to be acquired next is determined. A comparison step of comparing the bit rate of the content acquired by the acquisition step with the bandwidth of the network;
11. The video content reproduction method according to claim 10, wherein the video output calculation step calculates the number and interval of the still images according to the comparison result of the comparison step.   The video output calculation step calculates the number and interval of the still images when the reproduction time of the subtitles obtained from the subtitle data included in the content acquired by the acquisition step is longer than a predetermined time. The video content reproduction method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: A video content playback method for acquiring and playing content having video data and subtitle data from an external device via a network,
A requesting step of designating a time position of the content and a playback time range from the time position, and requesting the external device to acquire content in the designated range;
An acquisition step of acquiring the content requested in the request step from the external device via a network;
Of the video frames obtained from the video data included in the content acquired in the acquisition step, the video frame corresponding to the subtitle based on the subtitle data included in the content acquired in the acquisition step, and the subtitle As an output process to output video as
A determination step of determining a time position of content to be acquired next based on subtitle display start timing and subtitle playback time obtained from subtitle data included in the content acquired by the acquisition step; A computer program that is executed by a computer.

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