JP2014023086A - Information processing device, and viewing restriction system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing device performing content-by-content viewing restriction to a content reproduction device, without causing recognition of the existence of the viewing restricted content.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: a storage unit for storing contents; a communication unit for receiving a content list request from a content reproduction device; and a control unit for determining whether or not a viewing restricted content to the content reproduction device is included in the contents. When the viewing restricted content to the content reproduction device is included in the contents, the control unit generates a content list including contents other than the viewing restricted content, to provide to the content reproduction device.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a viewing restriction system that provide a list of contents that can be reproduced by a content reproduction apparatus and contents via a network.

  In recent years, a network environment for viewing content (digital data) stored and stored in an information processing apparatus on another apparatus has been generalized. DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is formed in order to create a standard related to information technology for realizing sharing of content via such a network. In addition, a technology for viewing and managing content based on DLNA guidelines is provided.

  By the way, according to the DLNA guidelines, for example, a content playback device for children cannot access an information processing device (content providing device) in order to prevent a person under the age of 18 from viewing content including violent depictions. Access restrictions can be made. However, if the access to the information processing apparatus is restricted, there is a problem that the content reproduction apparatus cannot reproduce all the contents stored and accumulated in the information processing apparatus.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1, ratings (numerical values and levels serving as reference for viewing restriction) are set for each content and each content reproduction device, thereby restricting the viewing of the specific content to the specific content reproduction device. Is realized. Specifically, a content playback device having a rating value larger than the rating set for the specific content can view the content without any special operation, and the rating value is smaller than the rating set for the specific content. It is assumed that the content playback apparatus cannot view the content unless a PIN is input.

JP 2011-135181 A

  However, according to the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when the information processing apparatus is accessed from the content reproduction apparatus for children, contents having a higher rating value and contents having a lower rating value than the own apparatus are displayed in the content list. Therefore, the presence of content that cannot be viewed unless the PIN is input to the child (in other words, content that cannot be viewed on the own device) is recognized. Then, it is conceivable to view the content using a content playback device used by the parent in order to view the content that cannot be viewed by the own device.

  In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus that restricts viewing for each content to a content reproduction apparatus and does not recognize the presence of content that is restricted for viewing.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores content, a communication unit that receives a content list request from a content playback device connected to a network, and the content playback device for the content. A control unit that determines whether or not content that is restricted for viewing is included, and when the content includes content that is restricted for viewing the content playback device, the control unit A content list including content other than content whose viewing is restricted is generated and provided to the content reproduction apparatus.

  According to this configuration, content that is restricted in viewing (hereinafter referred to as “content that is restricted in viewing”) is stored in the information processing device based on information indicating content rating and information indicating content reproduction device rating. "Is referred to as" viewing restricted content "). When viewing restricted content is included, a content list including content other than viewing restricted content is provided to the content reproduction apparatus. Therefore, in the content list displayed on the content reproduction device, the viewing restricted content for the content reproduction device is not displayed. In addition, viewing of viewing-restricted content in the content playback device is restricted.

  In the information processing apparatus having the above-described configuration, the control unit acquires information indicating the rating of the content and information indicating the rating of the content reproduction device, and the rating of the content and the rating of the content reproduction device It is desirable to determine whether or not the content includes content that is restricted from being viewed on the content reproduction device.

  In the information processing apparatus having the above-described configuration, the control unit may restrict viewing of the content to the content reproduction device when the rating of the content is larger than the rating of the content reproduction device. It is desirable to determine that content is included.

  According to the present invention, in the information processing apparatus configured as described above, it is preferable that information indicating the rating of the content reproduction apparatus is stored in association with a MAC address assigned to the content reproduction apparatus.

  In the information processing apparatus having the above configuration, an arbitrary name can be set instead of the MAC address or in addition to the MAC address, and the information indicating the rating of the content reproduction apparatus is the arbitrary name. It is desirable to store them in association with.

  In the information processing apparatus configured as described above, it is preferable that the content rating can be changed.

  In the information processing apparatus having the above-described configuration, it is preferable that the rating of the content reproduction apparatus is displayed when the setting of the content rating is changed.

  In the information processing apparatus configured as described above, it is preferable that the rating of the content reproduction apparatus can be changed.

  In the information processing apparatus configured as described above, it is preferable that the content rating is displayed when the rating setting of the content reproduction apparatus is changed.

  In order to achieve the above object, a viewing restriction system of the present invention is a viewing restriction system including a content reproduction device and an information processing device, and the content reproduction device is information connected to a network via a communication unit. A content list request is made to the processing device, and a control unit that displays a content list provided from the information processing device on a display unit, the information processing device includes a storage unit that stores content, A communication unit that receives a content list request from a content reproduction device, and determines whether or not the content includes content that is restricted from being viewed on the content reproduction device, and the content is restricted from viewing on the content reproduction device Content other than the content whose viewing is restricted. It generates a content list of Ceiling, and having a control unit for providing to the content reproducing apparatus.

  In the viewing restriction system configured as described above, the control unit of the information processing apparatus categorizes the content based on a predetermined condition to create the content list, and the control unit of the content reproduction apparatus It is preferable that a genre that does not include content in the content list is not displayed on the display unit.

  According to the present invention, in the content list displayed on the content reproduction device, viewing-restricted content for the content reproduction device is not displayed. Therefore, the user of the content reproduction apparatus cannot recognize that the viewing restricted content exists. In addition, since the viewing-restricted content is not displayed in the content list, viewing of the viewing-restricted content in the content reproduction apparatus is restricted.

These are block diagrams which show an example of a structure of the information processing apparatus of this invention. These are block diagrams which show an example of a structure of the content reproduction apparatus of this invention. These are 1st flowcharts which show an example of the process which the control part of the information processing apparatus of this invention performs. These are 2nd flowcharts which show an example of the process which the control part of the information processing apparatus of this invention performs. These are 3rd flowcharts which show an example of the process which the control part of the information processing apparatus of this invention performs. These are figures which show an example of the rating list | wrist of the content which the memory | storage part of the information processing apparatus of this invention has memorize | stored.

  In describing an embodiment of the present invention, a network environment will be described first. The information processing apparatus of the present invention is connected to a content reproduction apparatus via a network, and realizes sharing of content stored in the information processing apparatus. In particular, the above-mentioned DLNA is widespread as a communication standard for realizing a home network (a network in which a plurality of devices are connected at home and communication between devices is possible). Accordingly, a home network defined by the DLNA guidelines will be described below as an example of the network environment, but the network communication standard is not limited to this.

  Home network devices (DLNA devices) defined by the DLNA guidelines include DMS (Digital Media Server), DMP (Digital Media Player), DMR (Digital Media Renderer), and DMC (Digital Media Controller).

  The DMS stores content data and is a server device that provides content data in response to a request from another DLNA device. As the DMS, for example, a recording device having a recording function, or an electronic device such as a personal computer or a smartphone in which a program for using the DLNA communication standard is installed is used. The DMC is a controller that controls the DMR, and the DMR is a device that reproduces content data received from the DMS under the control of the DMC. DMP is a player device having both functions of DMC and DMR. Each DLNA device may have only a single function, but may have a plurality of functions. For example, there is a DLNA device having both functions of DMP and DMC, and a DLNA device having both functions of DMS and DMP.

  In the following description, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus of the present invention has only a function as a DMS and is connected to a DLNA device having only a function as a DMP via a network. Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing apparatus 1 according to the present invention. The information processing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a storage unit 15. Note that the information processing apparatus 1 (hereinafter, “information processing apparatus” is referred to as “DMS”) of the present invention becomes a content reproduction apparatus (hereinafter, “content reproduction apparatus” is referred to as “DMP”) 2 via the home network. It is connected.

  The control unit 11 is a control unit that comprehensively controls the entire DMS 1. The control unit 11 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (all not shown). The ROM stores a program executed by the control unit 11 and parameters and data necessary for executing the program. The CPU executes various programs stored in the ROM. The RAM temporarily stores data obtained during various processes and data obtained as a result of various processes. These CPU, RAM, ROM and the like are connected via a bus. Note that the CPU, ROM, and RAM may be partially or fully integrated on one chip.

  In response to a request from DMP2, the control unit 11 generates a content list based on DMP2 rating information and content rating information, as will be described later. Further, the control unit 11 provides the content data and the generated content list to the DMP 2 in response to the request from the DMP 2.

  The display unit 12 is a display unit that displays a screen for setting and changing the rating of the DMP 2 and the rating of the content stored in the storage unit 15 (described later), as will be described later. The display unit 12 and the display unit 22 described later may be provided in the DMS 1 or DMP 2 or may be an external display device connected to the DMS 1 or DMP 2 by wire or wirelessly.

  The operation unit 13 is an operation unit for setting and changing the rating of the DMP 2 and the rating of the content stored in the storage unit 15 (described later). As the operation unit 13 and an operation unit 23 to be described later, various keys and buttons may be provided on the DMS 1 and the DMP 2 main body, or a touch panel function may be added to the display unit 12 and the display unit 22 to be described later. A remote controller for remotely operating the DMS 1 or DMP 2 main body may be used as the operation unit 13 and the operation unit 23.

  The communication unit 14 communicates with the communication unit 24 of the DMP 2 via the home network. The communication unit 14 receives a content list request and a content data request from the DMP 2 and transmits (distributes) various data and signals to the DMP 2 in response to the request.

  The storage unit 15 stores content data, content rating information, and rating information of a DLNA device (DMP2 in this embodiment) connected to the home network. Note that content rating information may be included in content data.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of DMP2. The DMP 2 includes a control unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation unit 23, and a communication unit 24.

  The control unit 21 is a control unit that comprehensively controls the entire DMP 2. The control unit 21 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (all not shown). The ROM stores a program executed by the control unit 21 and parameters and data necessary for executing the program. The CPU executes various programs stored in the ROM. The RAM temporarily stores data obtained during various processes and data obtained as a result of various processes. These CPU, RAM, ROM and the like are connected via a bus. Note that the CPU, ROM, and RAM may be partially or fully integrated on one chip.

  The control unit 21 controls communication with the DMS 1 via the communication unit 24 described later. In addition, based on the content list and content data received by the communication unit 24, processing related to display of the content list and reproduction of the content is performed.

  The display unit 22 is a display unit that displays a content list provided from the DMS 1. The display unit 22 is also a display unit for displaying content distributed from the DMS 1.

  The operation unit 23 is an operation unit that allows a user to operate a menu or select content from a content list provided from the DMS 1. The operation unit 23 also functions as operation means for operating reproduction, stop, etc. of the content provided from the DMS 1.

  The communication unit 24 communicates with the communication unit 14 of the DMS 1 via the home network. The communication unit 24 transmits a content list request and a content data request to the DMS 1 and receives various data and signals provided from the DMS 1 in response thereto.

  FIG. 3 is a first flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the control unit 11 of the DMS 1 of this embodiment. Specifically, it is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the control unit 11 when setting the rating of the DLNA device connected to the home network.

  In the present embodiment, rating is a numerical value / level (parental level) that is a reference for viewing restriction. Rating information may be determined in advance by the creator of the content, or may be set by the user of the DMS 1. Further, in the case where it is determined by the creator of the content, the user of the DMS 1 may set an arbitrary rating (that is, change the setting). Ratings of DLNA devices connected to the home network can be set by the DMS 1 and cannot be set by individual DLNA devices (except for DLNA devices having a DMS function). In the following description, when simply referred to as a DLNA device, it means a DLNA device other than the DMS 1 connected to the home network.

  As will be described later, the control unit 11 determines whether or not each content is a viewing-restricted content for the DLNA device by comparing the rating of the content and the rating of the DLNA device described later. In this embodiment, when the rating value of the content is larger than the rating value of the DLNA device, it is determined that the content is a viewing-restricted content for the DLNA device, but the determination method is not limited to this. When the content rating value is smaller than the DLNA device rating value, it may be determined that the content is a viewing-restricted content for the DLNA device.

  In step S01, the control unit 11 detects a DLNA device (DMP2 in this embodiment) connected to the home network via the communication unit 14, and acquires identification information (address information) of the DLNA device. The identification information (address information) is information for identifying / specifying each DLNA device. In this embodiment, the MAC address is acquired as the identification information (address information). A unique value is assigned to each DLNA device as the MAC address, and the MAC address is not changed, so that the device can be reliably identified.

  In step S02, the control unit 11 determines whether an instruction to display the rating setting screen of the DLNA device has been issued. If an instruction to display the rating setting screen of the DLNA device is given (Y in step S02), the process proceeds to step S03. If there is no instruction to display the DLNA device rating setting screen (N in step S02), the process returns to step S02. Note that if there is no instruction to display the rating setting screen of the DLNA device, the rating setting process may be terminated (proceed to END).

  In step S03, the control unit 11 displays a list of DLNA device MAC addresses on the display unit 12, and displays information indicating the rating of each DLNA device in association with the MAC address of each DLNA device. In this embodiment, since only DMP2 is connected to the home network, information indicating the MAC address and rating of DMP2 is displayed in the list. However, when a plurality of DLNA devices are connected to the home network. Information indicating the MAC addresses and ratings of all DLNA devices is displayed in a list (however, the information may be classified into a plurality of pages and displayed).

  In step S04, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the rating setting change has been completed. When the rating setting change is completed (Y in step S04), the process proceeds to step S05, and the rating information of the DLNA device is stored in association with the MAC address. On the other hand, when the rating setting change is not completed (N in step S04), the process returns to step S04.

  FIG. 4 is a second flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the control unit 11 of the DMS 1 of this embodiment. Specifically, it is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the control unit 11 when setting the rating of content stored in the storage unit 15 of the DMS 1.

  In step S <b> 11, the control unit 11 determines whether an instruction to display the content rating setting screen stored in the storage unit 15 has been issued. If an instruction to display the content rating setting screen is given (Y in step S11), the process proceeds to step S12. If there is no instruction to display the content rating setting screen (N in step S11), the process returns to step S11. If there is no instruction to display the content rating setting screen, the rating setting process may be terminated (proceed to END).

  In step S <b> 12, the control unit 11 displays a list of content identification information (content name, image indicating content details, etc.) on the display unit 12, and displays information indicating the rating of each content in association with the content identification information. To do. When a plurality of contents are stored in the storage unit 15, information indicating all contents and ratings is listed and displayed (however, the information may be classified into a plurality of pages and displayed).

  In step S13, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the rating setting change has been completed. When the rating setting change is completed (Y in step S13), the process proceeds to step S14, and the content rating information is stored in association with the content identification information. On the other hand, when the rating setting change is not completed (N in step S13), the process returns to step S13.

  FIG. 5 is a third flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the control unit 11 of the DMS 1 of this embodiment. Specifically, it is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the control unit 11 when generating a content list to be provided to the DMP 2 in response to a content list request from the DMP 2.

  In step S <b> 21, the control unit 11 determines whether the communication unit 14 has received a content list request from the DMP 2. If a content list request has been received (Y in step S21), the process proceeds to step S22. If a content list request has not been received (N in step S21), the process returns to step S21. If the content list request has not been received, the content list generation processing may be terminated (proceed to END).

  In step S <b> 22, the control unit 1 acquires content rating information and DMP 2 rating information from the storage unit 15. In this flowchart, the control unit 11 acquires content rating information and DMP2 rating information in step S22. The timing at which the control unit 11 acquires content rating information and DMP2 rating information is the timing. Not limited. The information may be acquired regularly or irregularly, and when information is acquired a plurality of times regularly or irregularly, the latest information among the acquired information may be used.

  In step S <b> 23, the control unit 11 determines whether the content includes content having a rating value larger than that of DMP2. For example, when the rating value of DMP2 is 8 and the rating value of the content stored in the storage unit 15 is as shown in FIG. 6, the rating value of the content E is higher than the rating value of DMP2. Therefore, the control unit 11 determines that the content includes content having a rating value larger than that of DMP2.

If the content includes content having a rating value greater than that of DMP2 (Y in step S23), the process proceeds to step S24, and the content does not include content having a rating value greater than that of DMP2. If (N in Step S23), the process proceeds to Step S25.

  In step S24, the control unit 11 identifies content (ie, viewing-restricted content) having a rating value larger than that of DMP2, and content other than viewing-restricted content (content E in FIG. 6) (contents A to D in FIG. 6). Generate a content list consisting of

  On the other hand, in step S25, the control unit 11 generates a content list including all the contents (contents A to E in FIG. 6) stored in the storage unit 15 because the viewing-restricted content is not included in the content.

  In step S <b> 26, the control unit 11 provides the content list to the DMP 2 via the communication unit 14. Upon receiving the content list, the DMP 2 displays the content list on the display unit 22 as described above. A user of the DMP 2 selects desired content from the content list displayed on the display unit 22 and requests content data from the DMS 1 to provide content data from the DMS 1 so that the content can be viewed. .

  According to this embodiment, since the viewing-restricted content is not displayed in the content list, the user of the content reproduction device cannot recognize that the viewing-restricted content is stored in the information processing device. Further, since the viewing-restricted content is not displayed in the content list, the content data request cannot be made, and the user of the content reproduction apparatus cannot view the viewing-restricted content.

  In the above embodiment, the rating information of the DLNA device is stored in association with the MAC address of the DLNA device. However, when the DMS 1 can set an arbitrary name for the DLNA device, the rating information is associated with the arbitrary name. It is also possible to memorize it. For example, a name such as “for children” is set for DLNA devices installed in a child's room, and “for living” is set for DLNA devices installed in a living room, and instead of or in addition to the MAC address. The rating information may be stored in association with the arbitrary name. As a result, it is possible to immediately know in which room each DLNA device is installed or who the DLNA device is compared to the MAC address.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 3, the rating of the DLNA device (DMP2) may be displayed in response to a request from the user of the DMS1. Also, the content rating stored in the storage unit 15 may be displayed in response to a request from the user of the DMS 1 in the flowchart of FIG. This facilitates the setting of the rating.

  In the above embodiment, the content list generated by the control unit 11 of the DMS 1 may be created by genre classification based on a predetermined condition. The genre classification method is not particularly limited. For example, when content is classified into three categories: movies, dramas, and concerts, by selecting a movie from the content list, a list of content classified into movies Is displayed.

  When the content list is created by genre classification based on a predetermined condition, the control unit 21 of the DMP 2 may not display a genre that does not include content on the display unit 22. That is, the DMP 2 receives the content list by requesting the content list from the DMS 1. For example, if the content classified into movies in the DMS 1 is all content restricted to the DMP 2, the content list includes the content in the movie. It will not be. Therefore, when the control unit 21 of the DMP 2 displays the content list acquired from the DMS 1 on the display unit 22, a genre that does not include content (movie genre in the above example) may not be included in the content list. Thus, by not displaying the genre that does not include content on the display unit 22, the user of DMP2 cannot recognize the presence of viewing-restricted content in the movie genre.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for an information processing apparatus and a viewing restriction system that provide a list of contents that can be reproduced by a content reproduction apparatus and contents via a network.

1 DMS (information processing equipment)
2 DMP (content playback device)
11, 21 Control unit 12, 22 Display unit 13, 23 Operation unit 14, 24 Communication unit 15 Storage unit

Claims (11)

A storage unit for storing content;
A communication unit that receives a content list request from a content playback device connected to the network;
A control unit for determining whether the content includes content that is restricted from being viewed on the content playback device;
With
The control unit generates a content list including contents other than the content whose viewing is restricted when the content includes content whose viewing is restricted to the content playback device, and provides the content list to the content playback device An information processing apparatus characterized by that.   The control unit obtains information indicating the rating of the content and information indicating the rating of the content reproduction device, and compares the content rating with the rating of the content reproduction device, thereby reproducing the content on the content. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not content that restricts viewing of the apparatus is included.   The control unit determines that the content includes content whose viewing on the content reproduction device is restricted when the rating of the content is larger than the rating of the content reproduction device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein information indicating the rating of the content reproduction apparatus is stored in association with a MAC address assigned to the content reproduction apparatus.   An arbitrary name can be set instead of the MAC address or in addition to the MAC address, and information indicating the rating of the content reproduction apparatus is stored in association with the arbitrary name. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4.   6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the setting of the content rating can be changed.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a rating of the content reproduction apparatus is displayed when the setting of the content rating is changed.   The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the setting of the rating of the content reproduction apparatus can be changed.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the rating of the content is displayed when the setting of the rating of the content reproduction device is changed. A viewing restriction system comprising a content reproduction device and an information processing device,
The content reproduction device makes a content list request to an information processing device connected to a network via a communication unit, and further includes a control unit that displays the content list provided from the information processing device on a display unit. Have
The information processing apparatus includes: a storage unit that stores content; a communication unit that receives a content list request from the content reproduction device; and whether the content includes content that is restricted from being viewed on the content reproduction device. Control for generating a content list including contents other than the content whose viewing is restricted when the content includes content whose viewing with respect to the content playback device is restricted, and providing the content list to the content playback device A viewing restriction system comprising:   The control unit of the information processing device creates the content list by classifying the content based on a predetermined condition, and the control unit of the content reproduction device displays the genre that does not include content in the content list. The viewing restriction system according to claim 10, wherein the viewing restriction system is not displayed on the screen.

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