JP2013057986A - Content reproduction system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a content reproduction system for reducing power consumption of a whole system without reducing a range of options of contents.SOLUTION: A main client selects one server from among a plurality of servers, and receives and reproduces contents from the selected server. The main client transmits information of the selected server to each of sub-clients. When receiving the information of the sever selected by the main client, the sub-client selects the same server as the server selected by the main client, and receives and reproduces the content from the selected server. When receiving and reproducing a predetermined number of contents from the selected server, the main client selects another server instead of the currently selected server, and transmits the information of the selected server to each of the sub-clients.

Description

  The present invention relates to a content reproduction system including a plurality of servers and a plurality of clients.

  A network AV system including a plurality of servers and a plurality of clients has been proposed. Each server acquires a content list held by another server connected to the network, generates an integrated content list in which its own content list and the content list of another server are integrated, and holds them in the memory . The client acquires an integrated content list from one of the servers, and selects content to be played back from the integrated content list. The client specifies the server storing the selected content from the content list, and requests the specified server to transmit the content. Upon receiving the request, the server transmits the content to the client in a streaming format. The client plays back the received content.

  According to this network AV system, a plurality of clients can acquire and reproduce contents from different servers at the same time. However, for that purpose, it is necessary to turn on all the servers, which leads to an increase in power consumption of the entire system. In order to reduce power consumption, it is conceivable that only one server is powered on, and a plurality of clients acquire and play the same content from only one server (so-called party mode). The problem arises that the range is narrowed.

JP-A-2005-157800 JP 2006-323770 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide a content reproduction system that reduces the power consumption of the entire system without narrowing the range of content selection.

  A content reproduction system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a content reproduction system comprising a plurality of servers and a plurality of clients connectable to the plurality of servers via a network, wherein each of the servers receives a plurality of contents. A content storage unit for recording; and a content transmission unit configured to transmit content to the client. The plurality of clients include one main client and one or more subclients. First server selection that selects one server from the plurality of servers and selects another server instead of the currently selected server when a predetermined number of contents are received from the selected server and played back Means and a first player for receiving and playing back content from the selected server And server information transmission means for transmitting information of the selected server to each of the sub-clients when the first server selection means selects a server, and the sub-client from the main client, Based on server information receiving means for receiving information on the server selected by the main client and server information received by the server information receiving means, the same server as the server selected by the main client is selected. Second server selection means and second reproduction means for receiving and reproducing content from the selected server.

  According to this embodiment, the main client selects one server from a plurality of servers, receives content from the selected server, and plays it. The main client transmits the selected server information to each of the sub-clients. When the sub-client receives the information on the server selected by the main client, the sub-client selects the same server as the server selected by the main client, receives the content from the selected server, and plays it. When the main client receives and plays a predetermined number of contents from the selected server, the main client selects another server instead of the currently selected server, and transmits the selected server information to each of the sub-clients. To do. As described above, the main client and the sub-client receive and reproduce the content from the same server in the same time zone, so that the power consumption of the entire system can be reduced without narrowing the selection range of the content.

  In a preferred embodiment, the main client manages the predetermined number in association with the total number of contents owned by the server, and the predetermined number managing means for the selected server with the predetermined number And a predetermined number determining means for determining based on the management content.

  More optimal reproduction can be realized by changing the predetermined number of contents received from the server in accordance with the total number of contents. In other words, if the server that has a very small number of contents and the server that has a very large number of contents have the same number of received contents, the same contents are duplicated and played back on the server that has a very small number of contents. In this example, such a problem can be solved.

  A content playback system according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is a content playback system comprising a plurality of servers and a plurality of clients connectable to the plurality of servers via a network, wherein each of the servers includes a plurality of servers. A content storage unit for recording content; and content transmission means for transmitting content to the client, wherein the plurality of clients include one main client and one or a plurality of sub-clients. A first server that selects one server from the plurality of servers and selects another server instead of the currently selected server when content is received from the selected server and played back for a predetermined time A first means for receiving and playing back content from the selected server; And a server information transmitting unit that transmits information on the selected server to each of the sub-clients when the first server selecting unit selects a server, and the sub-client is connected to the main client from the main client. And server information receiving means for receiving information of the server selected by the main client, and selecting the same server as the server selected by the main client based on the server information received by the server information receiving means Second server selection means for receiving the content and second playback means for receiving and playing back the content from the selected server.

  According to this embodiment, the main client selects one server from a plurality of servers, receives content from the selected server, and plays it. The main client transmits the selected server information to each of the sub-clients. When the sub-client receives the information on the server selected by the main client, the sub-client selects the same server as the server selected by the main client, receives the content from the selected server, and plays it. When the main client receives content from the selected server and plays it back for a predetermined time, the main client selects another server instead of the currently selected server, and transmits information on the selected server to each of the sub-clients. . As described above, the main client and the sub-client receive and reproduce the content from the same server in the same time zone, so that the power consumption of the entire system can be reduced without narrowing the selection range of the content.

  The main client manages the predetermined time in association with the total number of contents owned by the server, and the predetermined time based on the management contents of the predetermined time management unit for the selected server. And a predetermined time determining means for determining.

  By changing the predetermined time for receiving content from the server in accordance with the total content, more optimal reproduction can be realized. In other words, if the predetermined time for receiving content is the same for a server with a very small total number of contents and a server with a very large total number of contents, the same content will be reproduced in duplicate for a server with a very small total number of contents. In this example, such a problem can be solved.

  In a preferred embodiment, among the servers, only the server transmitting content to the clients is in a power-on state, and the server not transmitting content to the clients is in a power-off state.

  Therefore, power consumption of the entire system can be reduced.

  In a preferred embodiment, the client that starts playing content first is the main client, and the client that starts playing content in the presence of the main client is the sub-client.

  In this case, since the main client always exists when the client starts playback from the second time onward, the server selected by the main client is selected, and the content is received from the selected server and played back. Can do.

  In a preferred embodiment, the main client refers to the sub-client management means for managing information of the sub-client and the sub-client management means when the first reproduction means stops the reproduction of the content, and the sub-client An instruction means for transmitting an instruction to operate as a main client to the selected sub-client, and the sub-client receives an instruction to operate as a main client from the main client The apparatus further includes receiving means and takeover means for executing the means as the main client in response to an instruction to operate as the main client.

  When the main client stops playing, the function of the main client can be taken over by one of the sub clients, so that the server selected by the main client is changed and each client selects the same server selected by the main client. The state can be continued.

  In a preferred embodiment, each of the servers further includes means for holding a playlist corresponding to the main client and the sub-client, and the main client corresponds to the main client in the selected server. The system further comprises first selection means for selecting content based on the held playlist, wherein the first reproduction means reproduces the content selected by the first selection means, and the sub-client selects And a second selection means for selecting content based on a playlist held corresponding to the own sub-client in the selected server, wherein the second reproduction means is selected by the second selection means. Play content.

  In this case, each client can reproduce content more suited to the user's preference.

  In a preferred embodiment, the first server selection means selects the servers in descending order of the total number of contents based on the total number of contents held by the server.

  In this case, each client can reproduce content more suited to the user's preference.

  In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a main client operation program for causing a computer to execute the main client, sub client, and main client means, a sub client operation program for causing the computer to execute each sub client means, and the like. It can be provided in the form.

  It is possible to provide a content reproduction system that reduces the power consumption of the entire system without narrowing the range of content selection.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a content reproduction system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a server 200. FIG. It is a figure which shows the content list which the server 200 hold | maintains. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the client 100 (a main client and a subclient). It is a figure which shows a subclient list. It is a flowchart which shows a process of a client. It is a flowchart which shows the process of a main client. It is a figure which shows a server list. It is a flowchart which shows the process of a main client. It is a flowchart which shows the process of a subclient and a subclient. It is a flowchart which shows the process of a subclient. It is a flowchart which shows the process of a main client and a subclient. It is a figure which shows a reproduction | regeneration condition table. It is a flowchart which shows the process of a main client. It is a figure which shows the play list of each client preserve | saved at each server. It is a figure which shows a server list.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1, the content reproduction system of the present invention includes a plurality of clients 100 (100A, 100B, 100C,...) And a plurality of servers 200 (200A, 200B, 200C,...). These can be connected to each other via any appropriate network such as a LAN. The client 100 requests the server 200 to transmit content. In response to a request from the client 100, the server 200 transmits content to the client 100 in, for example, a streaming format. The client 100 plays back the received content. Content is a general term for video data, music data, still image data, etc., but in this example, it is music data.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, each server 200 includes a control unit 11, a RAM 12, a ROM 13, a content storage unit 14 such as an HDD, a communication unit 15, a display unit 16, and an operation unit 17. The control unit 11 reads out a server program stored in the HDD 14 or the ROM 13 to the RAM 12 and executes it to control each unit of the server 200, and is a microcomputer, a CPU, or the like.

  The HDD 14 stores a plurality of contents. The content stored in the HDD 14 is read from the HDD 14 in response to a transmission request from the client 100 and transmitted to the client 100 in a streaming format via the communication unit 15.

  The HDD 14 stores a content list as shown in FIG. The content list is a list for managing content information of all the contents stored in the HDD 14. The content list includes content information and content reproduction time information. The content information includes, for example, a song name, artist name, album name, genre name, song ID, and the like. However, in FIG. 3, in order to simplify the description, contents A1, contents A2,. The content list is read from the HDD 14 in response to a transmission request from the client 100 and transmitted to the client 100 in a streaming format via the communication unit 15.

  As shown in FIG. 4, each client 100 includes a control unit 1, a RAM 2, a ROM 3, a playback unit 4, a communication unit 5, a display unit 6, and an operation unit 7. The control unit 1 controls each unit of the client 100 according to a client program stored in the ROM 3, and is a microcomputer, a CPU, or the like. The reproduction unit 4 reproduces (decodes, DA converts, amplifies, etc.) the content data received from the server 200 and supplies the reproduced audio signal to a speaker (not shown).

  The communication unit 5 communicates with other clients 100 and the server 200 via a network, and transmits and receives commands and data. The display unit 6 displays a content list, content information of content being reproduced, and the like. The operation unit 7 receives user operations, and is an operation button, a remote controller, or the like.

  The control unit 1 requests each server 200 to transmit a content list via the communication unit 5, receives the content list from each server 200, and stores it in the RAM 2. When each server 200 holds an integrated content list obtained by integrating the content lists of all the servers 200, the content list is acquired from all the servers 200 by acquiring the integrated content list from one server 200. It will be in the same state as if you did.

  The client 100 includes one main client and one or a plurality of subclients. The client 100 that receives content from the server 200 and starts to play first becomes the main client on the network (that is, in a state where other clients 100 have not received and played back content from the server 200 on the network). . From the second onward, all clients that receive and reproduce content data from the server 200 on the network are sub-clients.

  In this example, each client 100 selects the same server 200 at the same time so that all the clients 100 playing the content on the network receive and play the content from the same server 200 at the same time. The content is acquired from the selected server 200. Therefore, only one server 200 is transmitting content to the client 100 at a certain time. And the server 200 which is not transmitting content will be in a power-off state (for example, standby state), and thereby the power consumption as the whole content reproduction system can be reduced.

  When a shuffle playback instruction is input by a user operation, the control unit 1 of the main client selects one server from the plurality of servers 200, receives content from the selected server 200, and plays it back. The control unit 1 of the main client transmits a power off instruction to the servers 200 other than the selected server 200. The server 200 that has received the power-off instruction shifts from the power-on state to the standby state. Note that instead of an instruction from the client 100, it may be determined that the server 200 itself has not transmitted any content to any client 100 for a predetermined time or more, and the standby state may be entered.

  The main client manages the sub-client list shown in FIG. The sub-client list is a list for managing sub-clients that receive and play back content from the server 200 on the network. When the main client receives the sub-client identification information (client ID) from the sub-client, the main client registers the sub-client client ID in the sub-client list.

  When a shuffle playback instruction is input by a user operation, the sub-client control unit 1 requests and obtains information on the server 200 currently selected by the main client from the main client. The control unit 1 of the sub-client selects the server 200 that is currently selected by the main client, receives the content from the selected server 200, and plays it.

  The control unit 1 of the main client counts the number of contents received from the selected server 200 and played back, and when the number of contents reaches a predetermined number, it replaces the currently selected server 200 with another server. Select 200. The control unit 1 of the main client transmits a power-on instruction to the selected server 200 and transmits a power-off instruction to the server 200 that has been selected so far. The server 200 that has received the power-on instruction shifts from the standby state to the power-on state, and the server 200 that has received the power-off instruction shifts from the power-on state to the standby state. The control unit 1 of the main client receives and reproduces the content from the selected server 200, and notifies the sub client of information on the newly selected server 200. Upon receiving information on the newly selected server 200 from the main client, the sub-client control unit 1 selects the server 200 currently selected by the main client, receives the content from the selected server 200, and plays it back. .

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing of the control unit 1 of each client 100. The control unit 1 determines whether or not a shuffle playback instruction is input by a user operation while connected to the network. (S1). When the shuffle playback instruction is input (YES in S1), the control unit 1 determines whether another client 100 exists as a main client in the network (S2). This may be confirmed by the control unit 1 inquiring the server 200, or may be confirmed by transmitting a search command on the network and checking whether or not there is a response.

  If no other client 100 exists as a main client in the network (NO in S2), the control unit 1 sets the own client to operate as the main client (stores that it operates as a main client on the RAM). (S3). The control unit 1 executes processing as a main client (S4). On the other hand, when another client 100 exists on the network as the main client (YES in S2), the control unit 1 identifies the main client and stores it in the RAM (S5). The control unit 1 executes processing as a sub client (S6).

  FIG. 7 shows the processing of the main client in S4. The control unit 1 of the main client transmits an instruction to shift to the power-on state to all servers 200 on the network. When all the servers 200 on the network receive the instruction, they shift from the standby state to the power-on state (S11). Subsequently, the control unit 1 searches for all servers on the network and sequentially connects them (S12), and requests each server 200 to transmit a content list. Upon receiving the instruction, each server 200 reads the content list from the HDD 14 and transmits it to the main client. The control unit 1 receives the content list and stores it in the RAM 2 (S13).

  The control unit 1 selects one server 200 from the plurality of servers 200 that have acquired the content list. For example, the server list as shown in FIG. 8 is managed in the RAM, server identification information is registered in the server list in the order in which the content list is received, and the servers are sequentially selected in the order registered in the server list. The The control unit 1 transmits an instruction to shift to the power-off state to the servers 200 other than the selected server 200 (S14). The server 200 that has received the instruction shifts from a power-on state to a power-off state (for example, a standby state).

  The control unit 1 shuffles (randomly reproduces) the content in the content list of the selected server 200 (S15). Specifically, the control unit 1 shuffles (rearranges) the playback order of the content in the content list of the selected server 200, and sequentially selects the content in the content list after the shuffle. The control unit 1 requests the server 200 to transmit the selected content. When the content data is received from the server 200, the playback unit 4 plays back the received content data. Note that any known technique can be applied to the shuffling method itself.

  The control unit 1 counts the number of contents received and reproduced from the selected server 200, and determines whether or not a predetermined number (for example, 30) has been reached (S16). When it is determined that the number of contents received and played back from the selected server 200 has not reached the predetermined number (NO in S16), the process returns to S15 and continues to receive and play back the contents from the selected server 200 Is continued (S15). On the other hand, when the number of contents received from the selected server 200 and played back reaches a predetermined number (YES in S16), the process proceeds to S17.

  Alternatively, the control unit 1 counts the playback time when the content is received from the selected server 200 and played back using a timer, and determines whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 3 hours) has been reached ( S16). If it is determined that the playback time of the content received from the selected server 200 and played back has not reached the predetermined time (NO in S16), the process returns to S15, and the content is continuously received from the selected server 200 and played back. The process to continue is continued (S15). On the other hand, when the playback time when the content is received from the selected server 200 and played back reaches a predetermined time (YES in S16), the process proceeds to S17. Note that by completing the reproduction of the currently reproduced content and proceeding to S17, it is possible to prevent the reproduction from being completed in the middle of the content due to the switching of the server 200.

  In S17, the control unit 1 selects the server 200 next to the server currently selected in the server list. That is, the server 200 to be selected is changed to the next server 200. The control unit 1 transmits an instruction to shift to the power-on state to the newly selected server 200 (S17). The server 200 that has received the instruction shifts from the standby state to the power-on state.

  Subsequently, the control unit 1 instructs the server 200 selected before selecting the new server 200 (that is, the content that has been transmitted so far) to shift to the power-off state after a predetermined time has elapsed. Is transmitted (S18). The server 200 that has received the instruction shifts from the power-on state to the standby state. The predetermined time is a time estimated that all the sub-clients have finished playing the content that is currently being played back, and is, for example, 10 minutes. Note that the process of S18 is executed independently of the other processes, and the processes after S19 are executed before a predetermined time elapses.

  In S19, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the sub-client exists on the network with reference to the sub-client list (S19). If the client ID of the sub client is registered in the sub client list, it is determined that the sub client exists. When there are sub-clients (YES in S19), the control unit 1 determines the newly selected server 200 for all sub-clients (that is, all sub-clients whose client IDs are registered in the sub-client list). The server 200 that transmits information and also causes the sub-client 200 to receive the content is changed. Thereafter, the process returns to S15. On the other hand, when the sub client 200 does not exist (NO in S19), the process returns to S15.

  The control unit 1 shuffles and reproduces the content of the content list of the server 200 newly selected in S17 in the same manner as described above (S15). By continuing the above processing, every time a predetermined number of contents are reproduced (or every time contents are reproduced for a predetermined time), the content selection source server is changed, without narrowing the range for selecting contents. Shuffle playback is possible.

  FIG. 9 shows the process (S4) of the control unit 1 of the main client, and FIG. 10 shows the process (S6) of the control unit 1 of the sub client. The sub-client control unit 1 transmits its own client ID to the main client (S31). The control unit 1 of the main client determines whether or not a client ID has been received from the sub client (S21), and if received (YES in S21), registers the received client ID in the sub client list (S22). ).

  The control unit 1 of the sub client requests the main client to transmit the content list of each server 200 and the information of the server 200 currently selected by the main client (S32). The control unit 1 of the main client determines whether or not the request has been received (S23). If received, the content list of each server 200 and the information of the server 200 currently selected by the main client are displayed. Is transmitted to the sub-client (S24). The sub-client control unit 1 receives the content list of each server 200 and the information of the server 200 currently selected by the main client from the main client, and stores them in the RAM 2 (S32).

  The sub-client control unit 1 selects the server 200 currently selected by the main client (S33). Accordingly, all sub-clients select the same server 200 as the main client. The control unit 1 shuffles (randomly reproduces) the content in the content list of the selected server 200 (S34). Specifically, the control unit 1 shuffles (rearranges) the playback order of the content in the content list of the selected server 200, and sequentially selects the content in the content list after the shuffle. The control unit 1 requests the server 200 to transmit the selected content. When the content data is received from the server 200, the playback unit 4 plays back the received content data. Note that any known technique can be applied to the shuffling method itself. The content selected by shuffle playback may be the same as or different from the main client. The sub-client does not voluntarily change the server 200 that is the content transmission source, but continues the process of receiving and playing back the content from the same server 200 until the change notification of the server 200 is received from the main client.

  The control unit 1 of the sub-client determines whether or not information on the newly selected server 200 has been received from the main client (S35). If not received (NO in S35), the content reception is continued without changing the server 200 as described above. If received (YES in S35), the control unit 1 selects the server 200 newly selected by the main client (S33), receives the content from the selected server 200, and plays it (S34). In addition, even if the information of the newly selected server 200 is received from the main client, the new server 200 is not updated when the content currently being reproduced is finished without immediately changing the content transmission source server 200. It is preferable to select. This is because the reproduction of the content can be prevented from ending in the middle.

  As described above, every time the main client reproduces a predetermined number of contents (or every time contents are reproduced for a predetermined time), the main client and the sub-client all change the content transmission source server to the same server. Thus, shuffle playback can be performed without narrowing the range for selecting content, and the servers 200 transmitting content can be concentrated on one. Therefore, the power consumption of the entire content reproduction system can be reduced by setting the server 200 not transmitting the content to the standby state.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process in which the sub-client stops playback. As shown in FIG. 11, the sub-client control unit 1 determines whether or not an instruction to stop shuffle playback is input by a user operation (S41). If it is input (YES in S41), the control unit 1 transmits its own client ID and a notice to stop playback to the main client (S42). Thereafter, the control unit 1 stops the content reception / playback process from the server 200 (S43). As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 1 of the main client determines whether or not a client ID and a notification to stop reproduction have been received from the sub-client (S25). If received (YES in S25), the control unit 1 deletes the client ID from the sub-client list to manage that the client with this client ID does not exist on the network as a sub-client (S26).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process in which the main client stops playback. As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 1 of the main client determines whether or not an instruction to stop shuffle playback is input by a user operation (S51). When it is input (YES in S51), the control unit 1 determines whether or not the sub client exists on the network with reference to the sub client list (S52). If the client ID of the sub client is registered in the sub client list, it is determined that the sub client exists. When there is no sub-client (NO in S52), the control unit 1 stops the content reception and reproduction from the server 200 as it is (S55).

  On the other hand, when there is a sub client (YES in S52), the control unit 1 selects one sub client from the sub client list (S53). Although not particularly limited, a sub client registered at the top of the sub client list may be selected. The control unit 1 of the main client transmits an instruction to operate as the main client and the sub client list to the selected sub client (S54). Thereafter, after the process of S54, the control unit 1 stops receiving and playing back the content from the server 200 (S55).

  The control unit 1 of the sub client determines whether or not an instruction to operate as the main client and the sub client list are received from the main client (S61). If received, the control unit 1 sets itself as the main client (S62). Then, the control unit 1 deletes its own client ID from the received sub-client list and stores it in the RAM 2 (S63). If necessary, a notification indicating that the client has newly become the main client is transmitted to the sub-client. Thereafter, the operation as the main client is executed, and the change process of the server 200 is executed spontaneously.

  With the above processing, even when the main client stops playback, the function as the main client is taken over by one of the sub-clients, so that the above processing can be continuously executed until all clients stop playback.

  Next, another preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this example, the control unit 1 of the main client determines a predetermined number (predetermined time) for receiving and playing back content from each server 200 based on the total number of content included in the content list acquired from each server 200. To do. The ROM 3 stores and manages the reproduction condition table shown in FIG. The reproduction condition table is associated with the total number of contents owned by the server 200 (that is, the total number of contents included in the content list acquired from the server 200), and is a predetermined number for continuously receiving and reproducing the contents from the server 200. And / or a predetermined time is registered. For example, registration is performed so that the predetermined number increases (predetermined time becomes longer) as the total number of contents increases.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the process of this example. The same processes as those in FIG. The control unit 1 shuffles (randomly reproduces) the content in the content list of the selected server 200 (S15). The control unit 1 calculates the total number of contents owned by the selected server 200 with reference to the content list, and acquires a predetermined number (or predetermined time) according to the total content number with reference to the reproduction condition table ( S71). For example, if the total number of contents owned by the selected server 200 is 300, the predetermined number is determined to be 10 (the predetermined time is 50 minutes).

  The control unit 1 counts the number of contents received and reproduced from the selected server 200, and determines whether or not the predetermined number (or predetermined time) determined in S71 has been reached (S16). When it is determined that the number of contents received and reproduced from the selected server 200 has not reached the predetermined number (or predetermined time) (NO in S16), the process returns to S15, and the contents are continuously received from the selected server 200. Then, the reproduction process is continued (S15). On the other hand, when the number of contents received from the selected server 200 and played back reaches a predetermined number (or predetermined time) (YES in S16), the process proceeds to S17.

  Through the above processing, a more optimal shuffle playback can be realized by changing a predetermined number (or a predetermined time) for receiving content from the server 200 in accordance with the total content. In other words, if the server 200 with a very small total number of contents and the server 200 with a very large total number of contents have the same predetermined number of receiving contents, the same contents overlap for the server 200 with a very small total number of contents. In this example, such a problem can be solved. This is because the number of contents received and reproduced from a server having a small total number of contents is small and the number of contents received and reproduced from a server having a large total number of contents is large.

  Next, still another preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the above embodiment, the main client and the sub client select and play back content using the same content list of the server. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, each server holds playlists corresponding to the main client and sub-client in the HDD.

  When the server is selected, the main client requests and acquires a playlist of the main client from the selected server. The main client selects content based on a playlist held corresponding to the main client in the selected server, and receives and plays back the selected content.

  Similarly, when a server is selected, the sub-client requests and obtains a playlist of its own sub-client from the selected server. The sub-client selects content based on the playlist held corresponding to its own sub-client in the selected server, and receives and plays back the selected content.

  Accordingly, at the same time, each client receives content from the same server and plays it back, but the playlists used are different. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to reproduce content more suited to the user's preference.

  Next, still another preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the control unit 1 of the main client first sorts the server list in descending order of the total number of contents held by the server. Then, in S14 and S17 in FIG. 7, the main client selects servers in descending order of the total content in the server list. Therefore, it is possible to receive and reproduce the content first from the server having a large total content number. A server having a large total number of contents is highly likely to store user-desired contents, so that it is possible to reproduce contents that meet user preferences.

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these embodiment. You may provide with the form of the recording medium which recorded the computer program for making a computer perform said client or server, or the computer program. The playback method is not limited to shuffle playback, and a playlist created by a user operation for each client is stored in each server, and content in the playlist may be continuously played back.

  The present invention can be suitably employed in a content reproduction system having a plurality of clients and a plurality of servers.

100 Client 1 Control unit 2 RAM
3 ROM
4 playback unit 5 communication unit 6 display unit 7 operation unit 200 server 11 control unit 12 RAM
13 ROM
14 HDD
15 Communication unit 16 Display unit 17 Operation unit

Claims (7)

A content reproduction system comprising a plurality of servers and a plurality of clients connectable to the plurality of servers via a network,
Each of the servers is
A content storage unit for recording a plurality of contents;
Content transmitting means for transmitting content to the client;
The plurality of clients include one main client and one or more sub-clients;
The main client is
First server selection means for selecting one server from the plurality of servers and selecting another server instead of the currently selected server when a predetermined number of contents are received from the selected server and played back When,
First reproducing means for receiving and reproducing the content from the selected server;
Server information transmitting means for transmitting information of the selected server to each of the sub-clients when the first server selecting means selects a server;
The sub-client is
Server information receiving means for receiving information of the server selected by the main client from the main client;
Based on the server information received by the server information receiving means, the second server selecting means for selecting the same server as the server selected by the main client and the content received from the selected server and played back A content reproduction system comprising second reproduction means. The main client is
A predetermined number managing means for managing the predetermined number in association with the total number of contents owned by the server;
The content reproduction system according to claim 1, further comprising a predetermined number determination unit that determines the predetermined number based on management contents of the predetermined number management unit for the selected server. A content reproduction system comprising a plurality of servers and a plurality of clients connectable to the plurality of servers via a network,
Each of the servers is
A content storage unit for recording a plurality of contents;
Content transmitting means for transmitting content to the client;
The plurality of clients include one main client and one or more sub-clients;
The main client is
First server selection means for selecting one server from the plurality of servers and selecting another server instead of the currently selected server when content is received from the selected server and played back for a predetermined time; ,
First reproducing means for receiving and reproducing the content from the selected server;
Server information transmitting means for transmitting information of the selected server to each of the sub-clients when the first server selecting means selects a server;
The sub-client is
Server information receiving means for receiving information of the server selected by the main client from the main client;
Based on the server information received by the server information receiving means, the second server selecting means for selecting the same server as the server selected by the main client and the content received from the selected server and played back A content reproduction system comprising second reproduction means. The main client is
A predetermined time management means for managing the predetermined time in association with the total number of contents owned by the server;
The content reproduction system according to claim 3, further comprising a predetermined time determination unit that determines the predetermined time based on management contents of the predetermined time management unit for the selected server.   5. The server according to claim 1, wherein, among the servers, only the server that is transmitting content to each client is in a power-on state, and the server that is not transmitting content to the client is in a power-off state. The content reproduction system according to any one of the above.   6. The client according to claim 1, wherein the client that starts playing content first becomes the main client, and the client that starts playing content in a state where the main client exists becomes the sub-client. Content playback system. The main client is
Sub-client management means for managing sub-client information;
Instructing means for referring to the sub-client management means, selecting one of the sub-clients, and transmitting an instruction to operate as a main client to the selected sub-client when the first reproduction means stops reproducing the content And
The sub-client is
Instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to operate as the main client from the main client;
The content reproduction system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising takeover means for executing each means as a main client in response to an instruction to operate as a main client.

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