JP2013085146A - Content reproducing device, information transmitting method and server - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow remarks and actions made by a user in association with which contents of content to be easily recognized.SOLUTION: In a content reproducing device, accepting means accepts, from a user, an input related to content under reproduction. Transmitting means associates input information based on the input accepted by the accepting means, content identifying information for identifying the content under reproduction and reproduction position information indicating a reproduction position of the content at the time of acceptance of the input with one another and transmits them to a server connected thereto via a network. Receiving means receives, from the server, the input information transmitted by its own device or other devices, information indicating the content corresponding to the input information and reproduction position related information related to contents of the content at the reproduction position indicated by the reproduction position information. Second outputting means outputs a video signal for associating the input information received by the receiving means, the information indicating the content and the reproduction position related information with one another and displaying them.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a content reproduction apparatus, an information transmission method, and a server.

  In recent years, in a content reproduction apparatus such as a digital television apparatus, a hybrid that synthesizes and displays content based on a broadcast signal (broadcast content) and content (communication content) acquired from a server via a communication line such as the Internet. A cast (Hybridcast: registered trademark) system is known.

  In addition, on part of the TV screen, a technology that displays a screen for using video distribution services such as Twitter (registered trademark) and YouTube (registered trademark) and communication services such as SNS (Social Networking Service) such as Facebook (registered trademark) It is also known, and it is possible to use various communication services using digital television. As a conventional technique related to such a communication service, there is disclosed a technique for displaying a list of user comments for moving image content based on time in the content.

JP 2008-278088 A

  However, in the prior art, there is a problem that it is difficult to understand what kind of content the user's remarks and actions are associated with.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and a content playback apparatus and information transmission that can make it easy to understand what kind of content the user's remarks and actions are associated with. It is an object to provide a method and a server.

  The content reproduction apparatus according to the embodiment includes a first output unit, a reception unit, a transmission unit, a reception unit, and a second output unit. The first output means outputs a video signal for reproducing the content. The accepting unit accepts an input regarding the content being reproduced from the user. The transmission means is connected to a server connected via a network with input information based on the input accepted by the acceptance means, content identification information for identifying the content being reproduced, and at the time when the input is accepted The reproduction position information indicating the reproduction position of the content is transmitted in association with each other. The receiving means associates the input information transmitted from the server by the transmitting means of the own apparatus or another apparatus, information indicating the content of the content identification information associated with the input information, and the input information. The reproduction position related information related to the content at the reproduction position indicated by the reproduction position information is received. The second output means outputs a video signal for displaying the input information received by the receiving means, the information indicating the content, and the reproduction position related information in association with each other.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a content reproduction system including a content transmission device and a content reproduction device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the server. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the disclosure range setting table. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the user information setting table. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the content information setting table. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the reproduction position related information table. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the check-in management table. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure of information communication processing and display processing performed in the content reproduction system. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen on which a user's check-in status is displayed. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen on which a user's comment and reproduction position related information are displayed in association with each other. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a content reproduction system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a content reproduction system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a content reproduction system according to the fourth embodiment.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a content reproduction system 101 including a content transmission apparatus and a content reproduction apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, a broadcast signal from a server 11 of a broadcasting station that is a content transmitting device is received by a plurality of reproducing devices 13a and 13b that are content reproducing devices. The playback devices 13a and 13b have the same configuration. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish the playback devices 13a and 13b from each other, they are simply referred to as playback devices 13. Although two playback devices 13a and 13b are shown in FIG. 1, two or more playback devices 13 may be used. As a specific example of the playback device 13, a digital television device and the like installed in different homes and belonging to different groups can be applied.

  The broadcast signal received by each playback device 13 from the server 11 of the broadcast station includes program content (hereinafter referred to as broadcast content) composed of video and audio information. Further, the broadcast signal of this embodiment includes content acquisition content for acquiring content (hereinafter referred to as communication content) acquired via a communication line. For example, content acquisition content can be transmitted as part of a data broadcast that is multiplexed with a broadcast signal.

  The content acquisition content includes various multimedia information, such as video, audio, image, text, and the like that provides various information such as news, weather forecasts, and detailed program information in addition to the broadcast content. May be. For example, the content acquisition content includes content that defines control such as JavaScript and HTML, and content to be output such as video, audio, and images.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the playback devices 13 a and 13 b are configured to be connectable to a Web server (server) 30 via a network such as the Internet 12. The server 30 is a server that provides the communication content. The server 30 may be installed at the broadcasting station and managed by the broadcasting station, but the installation mode of the server 30 is not particularly limited.

  Next, the functional configuration of the server 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the server 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the server 30 has a configuration similar to that of a normal PC including a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a communication I / F 34, a keyboard, a touch pad, an input device 35 such as a mouse, a display 36, an HDD 70, and the like. Have. The ROM 32 stores various programs for controlling the server 30. The CPU 31 functions as a control unit for controlling the server 30 by developing a program stored in the ROM 32 in the RAM 33 and executing the program. The control unit functions as a reception unit 301, a first reading unit 302, a second reading unit 303, a transmission unit 304, and the like. The function of each part will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The HDD 70 includes a disclosure range setting table 71 (see FIG. 3), a user information setting table 72 (see FIG. 4), a content information setting table 73 (see FIG. 5), a playback position related information table 74 (see FIG. 6), and a check-in. It has a management table 75 (see FIG. 7).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the disclosure range setting table 71. As shown in FIG. 3, the disclosure range setting table 71 includes a user (source user) and other users (destination users) who disclose input information such as comments and evaluations input from the input unit 24 by the source user. ) In association with each other. The user can register the disclosure range information by accessing the server 30 from the playback device 13. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the user input information identified by the user ID “00000001” is disclosed to the user identified by the user ID “00000002” and the user input identified by the user ID “00000002”. The information is disclosed to each user identified by the user IDs “00000001”, “00000003”, “00000004”, and “00000005”.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the user information setting table 72. As shown in FIG. 4, the user information setting table 72 stores user identification information (user ID) and a user name in association with each other. Although not shown, each user ID is further associated with individual information of the user, and the server 30 performs mutual communication with each user ID based on the individual information. The individual information will be described later.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the content information setting table 73. As shown in FIG. 5, the content information setting table 73 (first storage means) includes a content ID (content identification information) of each broadcast content and identification information (channel number and broadcast station) of the broadcast station that provides the broadcast content. Name) and the content name which is the title of the broadcast content are stored in association with each other. In FIG. 5, the broadcast station name and the content name are shown as the information indicating the content identified by the content ID. However, the information indicating the content is not limited to this, and other information is used. Also good.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the reproduction position related information table 74. As shown in FIG. 6, the reproduction position related information table 74 (second storage means) stores the reproduction position information of the broadcast content and the reproduction position related information in association with each broadcast content. The reproduction position related information is related information regarding the content of the broadcast content at each reproduction position.

  That is, if an example of a sports program or the like is given, the playback position information corresponds to the broadcast time, and the game progress status at the broadcast time can be stored as the playback position related information. The reproduction position related information may be input by the person in charge of the server 30 as needed, or may be automatically extracted from data used in other data broadcasting, information on the Internet, or the like.

  As another example, if the broadcast content is a travel program, the playback position related information may be a travel location, and if the broadcast content is a quiz program, the playback position related information may be a question. That is, even if the user is not viewing the broadcast content, the user can recognize the status of the broadcast content at the reproduction position by referring to the reproduction position related information.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the check-in management table 75. As shown in FIG. 7, the check-in management table 75 is associated with the user ID of each user, the content ID of the broadcast content that the user has watched or watched, and the check that has started viewing the broadcast content. In time (viewing start time), checkout time (viewing end time) when viewing of the broadcast content is ended, viewing time when viewing the broadcast content, action performed by the user during viewing, and time Stored action logs. The action is an operation for inputting a comment, evaluation, or the like for the broadcast content.

  In the present embodiment, various services can be provided to the user by managing the time during which the user was viewing the content using the check-in management table 75. For example, the broadcast station side (or the administrator side of the server 30) provides a time zone in advance in the broadcast content. Then, the control unit of the server 30 uses the check-in management table 75 to determine whether each user has checked in to a predetermined broadcast content within the time zone. And the control part of the server 30 gives a privilege such as giving points or giving lottery rights for coupons or prizes to users who check in the broadcast content within this time zone. May be performed. As a result, the broadcast station can aim to improve the audience rating of the broadcast content.

  In a preferred embodiment, it is preferable to hide the above time zone from the user. In another preferred embodiment, the entire broadcast time of the broadcast content is set as a pre-set time zone, and the control unit of the server 30 gives the above-mentioned information to the user who has viewed the entire broadcast content. A privilege such as that may be given. As a result, the entire broadcast content can be easily viewed.

  Information managed in the check-in management table 75 is not limited to the check-in time, check-out time, viewing time, and action log described above, and other information is managed in the check-in management table 75. It is good.

  In addition, the control unit of the server 30 may determine a scene that was successful in the broadcast content using the check-in management table 75. In other words, the control unit of the server 30 uses the check-in management table 75 to manage the number of people who have checked in to the broadcast content in association with the playback position of the broadcast content. judge. Alternatively, the control unit of the server 30 uses the check-in management table 75 to determine that the number of comments transmitted to the broadcast content and the number of times that the evaluation operation has been performed, that is, the greater the number of actions, the better.

  And the control part of the server 30 may provide the above-mentioned privilege with respect to the user who checked in in the scene (time slot | zone) which was the most prosperous, for example. In this case, the control unit of the server 30 of the broadcast station may determine the number of users to be given a privilege according to the number of users checked in in the most successful scene.

  Moreover, the control part of the server 30 may manage the tag matched with the reproduction | regeneration position which showed the most successful scene as mentioned above. Then, the control unit of the server 30 may distribute reproduction position information indicating the tag or broadcast content to which the tag is attached to each reproduction device. Furthermore, the privilege as described above may be given to the user who has viewed the most successful scene with respect to the recording content tagged in this way.

  Further, the control unit of the server 30 reproduces the broadcast content based on information indicating the number of check-ins of the user (that is, the number of viewers of the broadcast content), the number of actions, or the status of the broadcast content based on the number of actions. It may be generated in association with the position. And the produced | generated information may be transmitted to the reproducing | regenerating apparatus 13 with a broadcast content, and the active condition with respect to each reproduction | regeneration position of a broadcast content may be displayed on the display part 23 of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus 13. FIG. Thereby, the user can easily identify a scene that has been excited by the broadcast content, and can easily view a scene that has been successful without the viewer performing a scene search.

  Furthermore, the control unit of the server 30 may transmit the broadcast content reproduction position, the reproduction position related information, and the information indicating the above-mentioned success to the reproduction apparatus 13 in association with each other.

  Next, the playback device 13 (13a, 13b) will be described with reference to FIG.

  The receiving unit 15 includes a tuner, a demodulating unit, and the like (not shown), receives a broadcast signal, and selects a channel signal designated by a user channel selection operation. The receiving unit 15 performs a demodulation process corresponding to the broadcast system on the selected broadcast signal. For example, the receiving unit 15 performs digital demodulation processing such as PSK (Phase Shift Keying) demodulation or OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) demodulation processing on a broadcast signal of digital broadcasting. Thus, the receiving unit 15 obtains a stream including desired content from the broadcast signal. Further, the receiving unit 15 decodes the stream and then outputs the stream to the separating unit 16.

  The separation unit 16 separates the broadcast content of the desired program and the content acquisition content from the decoding result. The separation unit 16 provides broadcast content to the broadcast content processing unit 17 and content acquisition content to the content of the browser 19 such as a Web browser and the communication processing unit 20. The broadcast content processing unit 17 performs appropriate signal processing on the input broadcast content, obtains a video signal and an audio signal of the program, and outputs them to the synthesis unit 18.

  The content and communication processing unit 20 interprets and processes the description content included in the input content acquisition content. When the content acquisition content includes content such as video, audio, and text, the content and communication processing unit 20 generates a video signal and audio signal of these content and outputs them to the synthesis unit 18. In addition, information for performing bidirectional communication with the broadcast station server 11 or the server 30 may be described in the content acquisition content. In this case, the content and communication processing unit 20 generates an image for display corresponding to these pieces of information and outputs the generated image to the combining unit 18.

  In the present embodiment, each playback device 13 has an individual information storage unit 22. The individual information storage unit 22 holds individual information of each playback device 13. The individual information includes the device ID of the device, the chip ID of any LSI in the device, the MAC address of any NIC (network interface card) in the device, and any B-CAS card connected to the device. Either an ID, an ID specified by a Web content distribution service provider, a broadcasting station, or a user, or a random number generated when the device is started, when content viewing starts, when Web content download starts, or when streaming starts, or What can be obtained by a combination is conceivable. If the number of playback devices in the broadcast signal reception area from the broadcast station is extremely large, one piece of individual information may be assigned to each of the plurality of units. For example, one piece of individual information may be assigned to each district. You may make it allocate.

  The content and communication processing unit 20 extracts the access control information included in the content acquisition content, and uses the extracted access control information and the individual information read from the individual information storage unit 22 to access time and access destination. Determine at least one. The content and communication processing unit 20 performs communication via the communication line in accordance with the determined access time and access destination, and sends a transmission request for communication content to the access destination server.

  If the access time is not defined by the access control information, the content and communication processing unit 20 makes a transmission request for communication content at an arbitrary time, for example, after acquiring the content acquisition content. Further, when the access destination is not defined by the access control information, the content and communication processing unit 20 sends a communication content transmission request to an arbitrary access destination, for example, a prescribed server.

  The example of FIG. 1 shows an example in which the server 30 is determined as the access destination. The content and communication processing unit 20 communicates with the server 30 via the Internet 12 and makes a transmission request for the communication content described in the content acquisition content.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the server 30 is selected as the access destination, but the access destination server may be distributed in a plurality. As described above, the content and communication processing unit 20 uses the access control information included in the content acquisition content and the individual information included in each playback device 13, and the access destination server and access accessed by each playback device 13. Since the time is determined, it is possible to easily reduce the load by distributing the communication load on the server and the communication line.

  The communication content processing unit 21 receives the communication content transmitted from the server 30. The communication content includes, for example, content that defines control such as JavaScript and HTML, and content that is an output target such as video, audio, and image. The communication content processing unit 21 interprets and processes the description content included in the input communication content. That is, when the communication content includes content such as video, audio, and text, the communication content processing unit 21 generates a video signal or audio signal of these contents and outputs the video signal or audio signal to the synthesis unit 18.

  The communication content processing unit 21 (transmission means) performs communication processing of communication content related to communication services such as SNS (Social Networking Service) such as Twitter (registered trademark) and Facebook (registered trademark). That is, the communication content processing unit 21 receives input information such as a user's comment and evaluation input from the input unit 24 such as a remote control or a keyboard, and transmits the input information to the server 30 via the Internet 12. Further, when transmitting the input information, the communication content processing unit 21 receives the input information, the content identification information of the broadcast content being reproduced, and the reproduction position information indicating the reproduction position of the broadcast content at the time when the input is received. Are transmitted to the server 30 in association with each other.

  Furthermore, the communication content processing unit 21 (reception unit) indicates the input information transmitted from the server 30 by the communication content processing unit 21 of the own device or another device, and the content of the content identification information associated with the input information. The information and the reproduction position related information at the reproduction position indicated by the reproduction position information associated with the input information are received. And the process similar to the process with respect to the above-mentioned communication content is performed, the processed video signal or audio | voice signal is output to the synthetic | combination part 18, and the display part 23 matches and displays each said information.

  Further, as described above, the communication content processing unit 21 receives the reproduction position related information and information indicating the degree of success (number of viewers, number of actions, etc.) in association with each other and transmits them. Alternatively, the data may be output to the synthesis unit 18. The display unit 23 of the playback device 13 displays information indicating the content, the degree of success for each playback position of the broadcast content, the playback position, and the playback position related information in association with each other. As a result, the user can know what kind of content the scene swelled with the broadcast content is.

  The synthesizing unit 18 synthesizes the output of the broadcast content processing unit 17 and the output of the browser 19 and outputs a video signal for reproducing or displaying the synthesized image to the display unit 23 (display unit). The display unit 23 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display or a plasma display. The display unit 23 performs video display of the composite image based on the video signal input from the synthesis unit 18. As a result, the broadcast content image and the communication content image are combined and displayed on the display unit 23.

  As described above, the configuration of the browser 19, the broadcast content processing unit 17, the synthesis unit 18, and the like includes the first output unit that outputs the video signal for reproducing the broadcast content, or the video signal for displaying the communication content. Functions as a second output means for outputting. The configuration of the first output means and the second output means is not particularly limited as long as it can output a video signal for reproducing broadcast content and a video signal for displaying communication content. is not.

  Next, the procedure of information communication processing and display processing performed in the content reproduction system 101 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing procedures of information communication processing and display processing performed in the content reproduction system 101. In the following, the operations in the playback devices 13a and 13b will be described in parallel, but the timings of the operations performed in the playback devices 13a and 13b are not particularly limited. Although the case where there are two playback devices 13 will be described, the number of playback devices 13 is not limited to this.

  The communication content processing unit 21 determines whether or not the user of the playback devices 13a and 13b has started viewing the broadcast content and has checked in the broadcast content (steps S1 and S21). While the playback devices 13a and 13b are not checked in (steps S1: No, S21: No), the process returns to steps S1 and S21 and waits for check-in. When the check-in is performed (steps S1: Yes, S21: Yes), the communication content processing unit 21 identifies the user identification information of the user who checked in and the content identification of the broadcast content checked-in by the user. Information is transmitted to the server 30 (steps S2 and S22).

  When the playback device 13 (13a, 13b) has checked in, the control unit of the server 30 uses the received user identification information and content identification information to identify the user identification information of the user who has checked in the check-in management table 75. And the content identification information of the checked-in broadcast content and the check-in time are stored (step S3).

  And the control part of the server 30 searches the public range regarding the user who checked in with reference to the public range setting table 71 (step S4). The transmission unit 304 of the server 30 transmits the related information of the user identification information of the checked-in user and the related information of the content identification information to the user within the disclosure range and the checked-in user, and the same information is confirmed. Are notified to the users belonging to the public range (steps S5 and S25). Note that the transmission unit 304 of the server 30 may not send a check-in notification to the user who has checked in.

  Here, the related information of the user identification information is information related to the user identified by the user identification information, and includes, for example, a user name, a user nickname, and the like. Further, the related information of the content identification information is information related to the broadcast content identified by the content identification information.

  When the communication content processing unit 21 of the playback device 13 receives the check-in notification, the communication content processing unit 21 notifies the user of the check-in based on the related information of the user identification information and the related information of the content identification information included in the received data. Is displayed on the display unit 23 (steps S6 and S26).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen on which a user's check-in status is displayed. As shown in FIG. 9, the display unit 23 is provided with a display area 80 for displaying the video of the broadcast content being played back by the playback device 13 and a display area 90 for the communication service. As shown in FIG. 9, when a user belonging to the same disclosure range checks, a message or symbol notifying that the user has checked in is displayed in the communication service display area 90.

  More specifically, in the communication service display area 90, the user name 91 and icon 92 of the checked-in user, the comment 93 input by the user from the input unit 24, the logo mark 94 of the broadcasting station, and the comment are input. A message 96 notifying that the user has checked in the content is displayed together with information 95 indicating the time. Other users belonging to the same disclosure range can know the content checked in by the user belonging to the same disclosure range and can view the same content.

  Although FIG. 9 shows an example in which information related to the communication service is displayed in the display area 90, various information such as programs and broadcast stations are displayed as information related to communication contents other than the communication service in the display area 90 or other display areas. Information may be displayed.

  Next, the communication content processing unit 21 of the playback device 13 determines whether or not input information such as comments and evaluations regarding the content being played back is received via the input unit 24 (steps S7 and S27). When the input is not accepted (step S7: No, S17: No), the process proceeds to steps S15 and S35. When the input is accepted (step S7: Yes, S17: Yes), the communication content processing unit 21 inputs the user identification information of the user who performed the input and the content identification information of the broadcast content being viewed by the user. The broadcast content playback position information, the input comment or the input information such as the evaluation is transmitted to the server 30 (steps S8 and S28).

  The receiving unit 301 of the server 30 determines whether or not input information has been received from the playback device 13 (step S9). If not received (step S9: No), it waits for reception (step S9). When the input information is received (step S9: Yes), the receiving unit 301 associates the input information with the user ID of the user who transmitted the input information, and the playback position of the broadcast content at the time when the input is performed. The information is stored in the check-in management table 75, and the action log is updated (step S10). The receiving unit 301 may store the input information itself in association with the reproduction position information in the action log, or information indicating an action (comment input, evaluation input) performed by the user based on the input information. May be stored.

  Next, the control unit of the server 30 searches the disclosure range corresponding to the user ID of the user who transmitted the input information with reference to the disclosure range setting table 71 (step S11). In the example of FIG. 3, the disclosure range when the user ID of the transmission source is 00000001 is a user with a user ID of 00000002. Therefore, the control unit of the server 30 determines to transmit various information such as the received input information to the user whose user ID of the playback device 13b is 00000002.

  In addition, the second reading unit 303 of the server 30 refers to the reproduction position related information table 74 and searches for reproduction position related information corresponding to the reproduction position information received in step S5 or S25 (step S12). For example, when an input of a comment is received at 20:30 as shown in FIG. 7, the second reading unit 303 refers to the reproduction position related information table 74 shown in FIG. Data “A team: B team = 1: 0” is read as reproduction position related information corresponding to the reproduction position information. Further, the first reading unit 302 of the server 30 refers to the content information setting table 73 and reads information indicating the content corresponding to the content identification information received in step S5 or S25.

  Then, the transmission unit 304 of the server 30 relates the user identification information of the source of the input information to the user within the disclosure range (for example, the playback device 13b) and the input information sender (for example, the playback device 13a). (For example, user name or nickname), information indicating the content (for example, program name), reproduction position related information of the broadcast content (for example, progress of the game), and input information are transmitted (steps S13 and S33).

  The communication content processing unit 21 of the playback device 13 receives each piece of information described above from the server 30, the related information of the user identification information, the input information such as a comment or evaluation by the user, the related information of the content identification information, The reproduction position related information is associated and displayed on the display unit 23 (steps S14 and S34).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen on which a user's comment and reproduction position related information are displayed in association with each other. The display unit 23 is provided with a display area 80 for displaying the video of the broadcast content being played back by the playback device 13 and a display area 90 for the communication service.

  In the communication service display area 90, comments 93, evaluations, and the like are displayed as input information input by each user in association with the user name 91 and icon 92 of the user who is the speaker. Also, in the display area 90, in correspondence with the comment 93, the logo mark 94 of the broadcasting station that distributes the commented broadcast content, the name of the broadcast station or the content name 97, and the time when this comment was input are displayed. Information 95 to be shown is shown. Further, the display area 90 displays the reproduction position related information 98 of the broadcast content at the time when the comment 93 is input.

  Thus, since the reproduction content related information 98 of the broadcast content is displayed together with the user input information, it is possible to clearly indicate what the user action is for the broadcast content. The situation can be easily grasped.

  The communication content processing unit 21 of the playback device 13 determines whether the user viewing the broadcast content has finished viewing the broadcast content and checked out from the broadcast content (steps S15 and S35). If not checked out (step S15: No, S35: No), the process returns to steps S7 and S27. When checked out (step S15: Yes, S35: Yes), the communication content processing unit 21 transmits the user identification information of the user to be checked out and the content identification information of the broadcast content to be checked out to the server 30 (step). S16, S36).

  When the user checks out from the broadcast content, the control unit of the server 30 stores the check-out time and the viewing time during which the user viewed the broadcast content in the check-in management table 75 (step S17). Exit.

  In FIG. 6, the reproduction position related information is associated with the time of the reproduction position information in the reproduction position related information table 74, but the second reading unit 303 of the server 30 is in a time zone including the reproduction position information. On the other hand, reproduction position related information may be read in association with each other. In addition, in the playback position related information table 74, an example is shown in which time is stored as playback position information. However, a time zone is stored as playback position information, and playback position related information is stored in association with this time zone. Also good.

  As described above, the playback device 13 according to the first embodiment transmits the input information by the user and the playback position information indicating the playback position in the content at the time when the input is received, to the server 30. The input information from the own device or another device and the reproduction position related information relating to the content corresponding to the reproduction position are received and displayed on the display unit 23 in association with each other. This makes it possible to know the contents of the content at the time when a comment or the like is inputted, and makes it easy to understand what kind of contents the user's remarks or actions are input. be able to.

  In the above description, an example of broadcast content based on a broadcast signal has been described as the content to be played back by the playback device 13, but the type of content to be played back is not limited to this. As other examples of content played back by the playback device 13, other content distributed from a Web server or content recorded in the playback device 13 is played back, and content identification information, playback position information, and input are input for this content. Information or the like may be transmitted. That is, in the screen display examples of FIGS. 9 and 10, the content to be reproduced is not particularly limited to the broadcast content based on the broadcast signal, and other various content display areas are combined with the display area 90 described above. May be displayed.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the example in which the content for content acquisition is included in the broadcast signal has been described. In contrast, in the present embodiment, an example in which content acquisition content is distributed to the playback device 13 via the Internet 12 separately from the broadcast signal will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the content acquisition content includes information related to communication content playback (hereinafter referred to as playback control information), and the playback control information can be controlled by the playback control information. explain.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a content reproduction system 201 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 11, the same components as those in FIG. The content playback system 201 includes playback devices 41a and 41b. The plurality of playback devices 41a and 41b have the same configuration and are referred to as playback devices 41 when it is not necessary to distinguish them from each other. Although only two playback devices 41 are shown in FIG. 11, two or more playback devices 41 may be used. As a specific example of the playback device 41, it is assumed that the playback devices 41 belong to different groups installed in different households.

  The receiving unit 15 of each playback device 41 receives a broadcast signal from the server 11 of the broadcast station. The receiving unit 15 selects a channel corresponding to the user's channel selection operation, obtains a broadcast content stream by performing demodulation processing, and obtains broadcast content of a desired program by decoding processing. The receiving unit 15 gives the acquired broadcast content to the broadcast content processing unit 17. The broadcast content processing unit 17 performs appropriate signal processing on the input broadcast content, obtains a video signal and an audio signal of the program, and outputs them to the synthesis unit 18.

  The browser 42 includes a content and communication processing unit 43, a content buffer 44, and a communication content processing unit 21. The content buffer 44 temporarily stores the communication content received from the server 30 and then outputs it to the communication content processing unit 21.

  The content and communication processing unit 43 receives content acquisition content from the server 30 set in advance. The content and communication processing unit 43 interprets and processes the description content included in the content acquisition content. Other functional configurations of the content and communication processing unit 43 are the same as those of the content and communication processing unit 20 of FIG.

  In the above description, both the content acquisition content and the communication content are received from the server 30, but the server that transmits the content acquisition content and the server that transmits the communication content may be the same or different. Also good.

  The communication content processing unit 21 performs information communication processing and display processing as described above in the first embodiment via the content buffer 44. The details of the information communication process and the display process performed by the communication content processing unit 21 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted here. That is, also in this embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the effect described above in the first embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a content reproduction system 301 according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 12, the same components as those in FIG. In the present embodiment, an example in which the content reproduction system 301 includes a reproduction device 51a having a reception unit 15 that receives a broadcast signal from the broadcast server 11 and a reproduction device 51b that does not have a broadcast signal reception function. explain. The playback device 51b is, for example, a tablet-type display terminal, and the playback device 51a and the playback device 51b belong to the same group, for example, in the same home.

  The playback device 51a has the same configuration as the playback device 41a of FIG. 11 except that the individual information from the individual information storage unit 22 can be output to the outside. Note that the playback device 51a in FIG. 12 may also include the content buffer 44, as in the playback device 41a in FIG.

  On the other hand, the playback device 51 b includes a browser 52, a display unit 23, and an input unit 24. The browser 52 includes a content and communication processing unit 43 and a communication content processing unit 21. The content and communication processing unit 43 reads the individual information stored in the individual information storage unit 22 of the playback device 51a, and performs access based on the content acquisition content using the individual information of the playback device 51a. Thus, in this embodiment, control based on the same individual information can be enabled between user terminals belonging to the same group, and the content and communication processing unit 43 of each playback device 51 (51a, 51b) Access control can be performed using the same individual information.

  Note that the playback device 51b includes the receiving unit 15, the broadcast content processing unit 17, and the combining unit 18, and may perform the same operation as the playback device 51a except for reading the individual information of the playback device 51a.

  Since the functional configuration of the communication content processing unit 21 in the playback devices 51a and 51b is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here. That is, also in this embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the effect described above in the first embodiment.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a content reproduction system 401 according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 13, the same components as those in FIGS. 1 and 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, an internal server 63 is provided in the playback device 61a, and the browsers 62a and 62b of the playback devices 61a and 61b acquire content acquisition content and communication content via the internal server 63 of the playback device 61a. This is the main difference from the third embodiment.

  The playback device 61a has an internal server 63. The separation unit 16 provides broadcast content to the broadcast content processing unit 17 and provides content acquisition content to the internal server 63. The internal server 63 stores content acquisition content. The broadcast content processing unit 17 generates image data of broadcast content based on the broadcast signal from the broadcast station server 11 and outputs the image data to the synthesizing unit 18. In addition, the internal server 63 has a communication content processing unit 21.

  The browser 62a of the playback device 61a has a content and communication processing unit 20. The content and communication processing unit 20 accesses the server 30 on the Internet 12 according to the content acquisition content and individual information read from the internal server 63, downloads the communication content, and stores the communication content in the internal server 63.

  Further, the content and communication processing unit 20 interprets content such as image data included in the content acquisition content (hereinafter referred to as content belonging to the broadcast) and outputs image data based on the content belonging to the broadcast to the synthesis unit 18. To do. Note that the browser 62a of the playback device 61a may include the communication content processing unit 21 as in the browser 19 of the first embodiment.

  On the other hand, the playback device 61b includes a browser 62b, a display unit 23, and an input unit 24. The browser 62b includes the communication content processing unit 21. The communication content processing unit 21 reads the individual information stored in the individual information storage unit 22 of the playback device 61a, communicates with the internal server 63 using the individual information of the playback device 61a, and stores the content acquisition content and the communication content. take in. The communication content processing unit 21 processes the communication content based on the acquired content acquisition content and displays various images on the display unit 23.

  In the present embodiment, content acquisition content and communication content are acquired via the internal server 63, and the amount of communication can be reduced as compared with the case where each terminal independently accesses the communication line, An increase in server load can be suppressed.

  The details of the information communication process and the display process performed by the communication content processing unit 21 of the playback devices 61a and 61b are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted here. That is, also in this embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the effect described above in the first embodiment.

  As described above, the content playback apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments transmits the input information by the user and the playback position information indicating the playback position in the content at the time of receiving the input to the server, Input information from the own device or another device and reproduction position related information relating to the content of the content corresponding to the reproduction position information are received from the server, and these are associated with each other and displayed on the display device. As a result, it is possible to know the contents of the content at the time when a comment, evaluation, etc. is input, and it is possible to understand what kind of contents the user's remarks, actions, etc. are associated with. Can be made easier.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  101, 201, 301, 401 ... content reproduction system, 11 ... broadcast station server, 12 ... internet, 13, 13a, 13b, 41, 41a, 41b, 51, 51a, 51b, 61a, 61b ... reproduction device, 15 ... Receiving unit 16 ... separating unit 17 ... broadcast content processing unit 18 ... compositing unit 19, 42, 52, 62a, 62b ... browser, 20, 43 ... content and communication processing unit, 21 ... communication content processing unit 22, ... individual information storage unit, 23 ... display unit, 24 ... input unit, 30 ... server, 44 ... content buffer, 63 ... internal server, 71 ... public range setting table, 72 ... user information setting table, 73 ... content information setting table 74 ... Reproduction position related information table, 75 ... Check-in management table, 80 ... Display area, 90 ... Display area 91 ... user name, 92 ... icon, 93 ... comments, 94 ... logo mark, 95 ... information, 96 ... message, 97 ... content name, 98 ... Played location-related information.

Claims (8)

First output means for outputting a video signal for reproducing content;
Accepting means for accepting input from the user regarding the content being played back;
Input information based on the input accepted by the accepting unit, content identification information for identifying the content being reproduced, and reproduction of the content at the time of accepting the input to a server connected via a network Transmitting means for associating and transmitting reproduction position information indicating a position;
The input information transmitted from the server by the transmission means of the own device or another device, information indicating the content of the content identification information associated with the input information, and the reproduction associated with the input information Receiving means for receiving reproduction position related information relating to the content of the content at the reproduction position indicated by the position information;
Second output means for outputting a video signal for displaying the input information received by the receiving means, information indicating the content, and the reproduction position related information in association with each other;
A content playback apparatus comprising: The transmitting means further transmits user identification information for identifying the user who performed the input to the server,
The receiving means further receives related information related to the user identification information from the server,
The second output means outputs a video signal for displaying related information related to the user identification information, the input information, information indicating the content, and the reproduction position related information in association with each other. 2. The content reproduction apparatus according to 1. The accepting unit accepts an input of a comment regarding the content from the user,
The transmission means includes the comment received by the reception means, the content identification information of the content, the playback position information at the time when the input of the comment is received, and the user identification information of a user who has input the comment. And to the server,
The receiving means is associated with the comment transmitted from the server to the server from its own device or another device, information indicating the content of the content identification information associated with the comment, and the comment. Receiving the relevant information of the user identification information and the reproduction position related information at the reproduction position indicated by the reproduction position information associated with the comment;
The said 2nd output means outputs the video signal for matching and displaying the said comment, the information which shows the said content, the relevant information of the said user identification information, and the said reproduction position relevant information. The content reproduction apparatus described in 1. The accepting unit accepts an input of evaluation regarding the content from the user,
The transmission means transmits the information related to the evaluation received by the reception means, the content identification information of the content, and the reproduction position information at the time when the input of the evaluation is received, to the server,
The receiving means is information related to the evaluation transmitted from the server to the server from its own device or another device, information indicating the content of the content identification information associated with the information related to the evaluation, and information related to the evaluation. Receiving reproduction position related information at the reproduction position indicated by the reproduction position information associated with the information;
The said 2nd output means outputs the video signal for matching and displaying the information regarding the said evaluation, the information which shows the said content, and the said reproduction position relevant information. The content reproduction apparatus described in 1. The transmission means transmits the content identification information of the content and the user identification information of the user to the server when the user starts or ends the viewing of the content,
The receiving means receives the number of viewers of the content of the content identification information from the server in association with the reproduction position information or the reproduction position related information,
The said 2nd output means outputs the video signal for matching and displaying the number of viewers of the said content, and the said reproduction position information or the said reproduction position relevant information of the content. The content reproduction apparatus as described in any one.   The content reproduction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising display means for performing video display using the video signal output from the first output means and the second output means. An information transmission method executed in a content reproduction device,
A first output step of outputting a video signal for reproducing content;
An accepting step for accepting input from the user regarding the content being played;
Input information based on the input received in the receiving step, content identification information for identifying the content being reproduced, and the content at the time of receiving the input to a server connected via a network A transmission step of associating and transmitting reproduction position information indicating a reproduction position;
Indicated by the input information transmitted from the server by the own device or another device, information indicating the content of the content identification information associated with the input information, and the reproduction position information associated with the input information A reception step of receiving reproduction position related information regarding the content of the content at a reproduction position;
A second output step of outputting a video signal for displaying the input information received in the reception step, the information indicating the content, and the reproduction position related information in association with each other;
Information transmission method. A server connected to a content playback device for playing back content via a network,
Corresponding input information input from the content playback apparatus regarding the content, content identification information for identifying the content, and playback position information indicating a playback position of the content at the time when the input information is input Receiving means for receiving and attaching,
A first reading unit that reads information indicating the content corresponding to the content identification information received by the receiving unit from a first storage unit that stores the content identification information and information indicating the content of the content identification information in association with each other. Reading means;
From the second storage means for storing the reproduction position information indicating the reproduction position of the content identified by the content identification information and the reproduction position related information regarding the content of the content at the reproduction position indicated by the reproduction position information in association with each other, Second reading means for reading the reproduction position related information corresponding to the reproduction position information received by the receiving means;
The content reproduction apparatus or the like, wherein the input information received by the reception unit, the information indicating the content read by the first reading unit, and the reproduction position related information read by the second reading unit are associated with each other. Transmitting means for transmitting to the content playback device;
A server comprising

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