JP4356639B2 - Program creation / playback apparatus, program creation / playback method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a program creation / playback apparatus, a program creation / playback method, and a storage medium for creating / playing a program composed of music, video, and the like that can be distributed via a communication network, and in particular, a program in which a plurality of types of contents having different properties are mixed. The present invention relates to a program creation / playback apparatus, a program creation / playback method, and a storage medium that can easily reproduce an original program or easily create an original program reflecting the viewer's intention.

  In general, there are a radio, a television, and the like as a system for distributing a program composed of music, video, and the like. However, programs such as radio and television are unilaterally sent from broadcasting stations, and viewers cannot watch or listen to their favorite programs at their favorite time zones. Therefore, recently, Internet broadcasting stations have emerged as a new distribution form of programs different from those of radio and television. Internet broadcast stations distribute programs stored on a communication network in response to requests from viewers. That is, based on a viewer distribution request from a terminal (client) such as a personal computer (PC), it is connected to a www (World Wide Web) server via a communication network such as the Internet and stored in the www server. The program composed of the music data or the video (video) data is received, and the program is reproduced on the client side based on the received data. Normally, when distributing data using a communication network, a www server performs stream distribution so that a client can start playback of music, video, etc. before receiving all the data. In such an Internet broadcasting station, viewers can watch and listen to a favorite program at a favorite time zone.

By the way, in order to make the contents (contents) of a program various, the program may be composed of a plurality of various contents. For this purpose, it is necessary to create a program in which a plurality of contents having different properties (data formats) are mixed. However, in the Internet broadcasting station as described above, the contents in one program are all configured with the same property (data format). That is, in a conventionally known program creation / playback apparatus used in an Internet broadcasting station or the like, a program in which a plurality of types of contents having different properties are mixed (for example, a plurality of types of data formats such as a MIDI song, an audio song, and a video). In other words, a program having a variety of contents (contents) cannot be produced because a program in which the contents are mixed cannot be reproduced.
There is also a problem that the viewer cannot create an original program of his own by arbitrarily combining a plurality of contents.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a program creation / playback apparatus, program creation / playback method, and storage medium capable of playing a program in which a plurality of types of content having different properties are mixed. With the goal.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a program creation / playback apparatus, a program creation / playback method, and a storage medium that enable a viewer to create and provide various types of information related to content that is played back one after another in a program.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a program creation / playback apparatus, a program creation / playback method, and a storage medium that allow a viewer to create an original program.

The program creation / playback device according to the present invention publishes a program including a plurality of contents as a content on a predetermined site to a plurality of client devices connected via a communication network, a program production reproducing apparatus for delivering in response to a request from a client device, a storage means for respectively storing plural plurality of contents, and defines a reproduction order of the contents of the program file for controlling the content of the program, for any of the client device, and requests to select a plurality of contents, creates a program file that defines the reproduction order so that a plurality of the selected content is reproduced in the order based on a predetermined rule to the addition means for adding stored in the storage means as a content to be published on the predetermined site, prior to any In response to a request from the client device, wherein the published as content on a given site, one of the plurality of program files stored in the storage means containing program files added stored by said additional means Is distributed to the client device, and in response to a request for content based on the distributed program file from the client device, the requested content is read from the storage means and distributed to the client device. And control means.

In the present invention, the storage means stores a program file that controls the content of the program defines a plurality of contents, and the reproduction order of the content, any of which is required to select a plurality of contents by creating a program file that defines the reproduction order so that a plurality of content selected by the client device is reproduced in the order based on a predetermined rule, additional storage in the memory means as a content to be published on a given site To do. In response to a request from any client device that has accessed the program creation / playback device via a communication network, the storage means including the additionally stored program file disclosed as content on a predetermined site One of a plurality of stored program files is distributed to the client device, and the requested content is stored in response to a request for content based on the distributed program file from the client device. The program is distributed by reading from the means and distributing to the client device . In this way, a program file that defines the playback order is created so that a plurality of contents selected based on content selection at the client device are played back in an order based on a predetermined rule, and additionally stored in the storage means. , All program files including program files created / added and stored are distributed via a communication network as contents to be released on a predetermined site , and contents based on the distributed program files are read from the storage means and the client Since it is distributed to the apparatus, it is possible to easily create a user's original program reflecting the user's intentions, and widely use a program file stored in addition to various programs (user original programs) via a communication network. Will be able to provide.

In addition, the program creation / playback apparatus according to the present invention publishes a program including a plurality of contents as a content on a predetermined site to a plurality of client apparatuses connected via a communication network . wherein a program created reproducing apparatus for delivering in response to a request from a client device, a plurality of contents, and the content of each storage means for storing a plurality of programs file that controls the content of said defining a reproduction order program And additional means for additionally storing the content received from any one of the client devices in the storage means as content to be disclosed on the predetermined site, and for any one of the client devices on the predetermined site was published as content, the include additional content stored by said additional means Requests to select multiple desired content from among a plurality of contents stored in憶means, the program files that define playback sequence such that a plurality of the selected content is reproduced in the order based on a predetermined rule And creating means for creating. As a result, the types of content that can be used at the time of creating the program file can be increased, so that the content of the distributed program can be varied.

Furthermore, the program creation / playback device according to the present invention publishes a program including a plurality of contents as a content on a predetermined site to a plurality of client devices connected via a communication network, and wherein a program created reproducing apparatus for delivering in response to a request from a client device, a plurality of contents, and the content of each storage means for storing a plurality of programs file that controls the content of said defining a reproduction order program If, for any of the client device, and requests to select a plurality of contents, the program files that define playback sequence such that a plurality of the selected content is reproduced in the order based on a predetermined rule create a and additional means for adding stored in the storage means as a content to be published on the predetermined site, Izu In response to a request from Kano said client device, said published as content on a given site, among the plurality of programs files stored in said storage means includes additional stored program file with said additional means And a delivery control means for delivering the content based on the program file to the client device collectively. As described above, the desired program file selected from all the program files including the program file created / added and stored and the content based on the program file are delivered to the client device in a batch. Thus, it becomes possible to reproduce the selected program only by the client device, including the newly created user original program.

  The present invention can be constructed and implemented not only as a device invention but also as a method invention. Further, the present invention can be implemented in the form of a program of a processor such as a computer or a DSP, or can be implemented in the form of a storage medium storing such a program.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
First, a first embodiment of the program creation / playback apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9A and 9B shown below.

  FIG. 1 is a hardware block diagram showing an embodiment of the entire configuration of a program playback system to which a program creation / playback apparatus according to the present invention is applied. This program reproduction system is composed of a plurality of sites (servers) A, B to N, a client PC, and a communication network X. The plurality of sites (servers) A (B to N) and the client PC are connected via the communication network X. The plurality of sites (servers) A (B to N) and the client PC are configured by computers including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, a modem, and the like (not shown), and each is independently connected via the communication network X. Data (for example, content for broadcast programs) can be transmitted or received. That is, the client PC is connected to various communication networks X such as a LAN (local area network), the Internet, and a telephone line, and transmits / receives various data to / from the sites A (B to N). The program playback system may have hardware other than these, but here, a case where the minimum necessary resources are used will be described. Note that the communication network X is not limited to a wired one, and may be a wireless one. A plurality of client PCs may be connected to the communication network X.

  An independent site A (B to N) is like a broadcasting station when compared to radio and television, and a large number of program files are stored in advance in the program storage unit for each site A (B to N). Is done. A program file is a time-series combination of contents such as a MIDI file that is song data, an audio file that is song or MC (Master of Ceremonies) data, a video file that is video data, or a still image file. It is configured (details will be described later), and this corresponds to a program on radio or television. A large number of contents (content files) such as MIDI files, audio files, moving image files, and still image files are stored in advance in a content database (content storage unit) for each site A (B to N). In the content database, a large number of contents other than the contents used in the program are stored. And what program file is stored for each site A (B to N) can be confirmed by the program list file.

  The client PC selects one of the sites A (B to N), selects one of the program files stored in the selected site A (B to N), and reproduces it. be able to. That is, the client PC acquires a program list from the selected site A (B to N), stores it as a program list file, selects one of the programs in the program list, and selects the site A (B to N). A program file is acquired from and stored as a program file. Then, the content (file) is acquired from the site A (B to N) that selected the program file, and the content is reproduced by the reproduction engine. The playback mode includes an “online mode” and an “offline mode”. In the “online mode”, content is acquired from the site A (B to N) in real time and played back. On the other hand, in the “offline mode”, the contents specified in the program file are acquired together, stored in the cache, and then reproduced. As will be described later, the viewer can register a favorite program in a favorite program file, and can create a unique original program. Therefore, these pieces of information are stored in the client PC as a favorite program list file or original program file. The client PC includes a storage unit (or storage area) corresponding to each file described above.

Here, an example of a specific program list file and program file will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a program list file. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a program file.
The program list file is data indicating a list of programs stored for each site A (B to N). As shown in FIG. 2, the program list file includes a “program name” and a “program file URL (Uniform Resource Locator)”. Become. “Program name” is a name (title) given to each program. “URL of program file” is information for designating a position where the program file is stored, and is given differently for each program file. For example, it is possible to uniformly access each program file stored in the site A (B to N) on the communication network X from the client PC or other site A (B to N). For example, an Internet address.

In the program file, content information such as a MIDI file, an audio file, a moving image file, and a still image file is stored in the program progression order (reproduction order). For example, one program starts with an opening MC (audio file), the first song (MIDI file), MC (audio file), the second song (audio file), the third song (video file), and the ending MC (audio file). If the program proceeds as described above, each piece of content information is stored in the program file in that order (see FIG. 3). A program file is data indicating all pieces of content information included in one program, and includes a “program name” and content information including a “content URL”, “content ID”, and “content basic information” as a set. Become. The “program name” is a name (title) given to each program in the same way as the “program name” of the program list file described above. The “content URL” is information for specifying the position where the content file is stored, the “content ID” is information for identifying the content, and the “content basic information” is the basic information of the content (for example, , The name of the content, information on the lyricist / composer / artist, etc. if the content is a song, and information on the person performing the MC if the content is MC). The favorite program list file has the same data structure as the program list file, and the original program file has the same data structure as the program file.
In the program file shown in FIG. 3, the third song is a moving image file. However, when the song is stored in the moving image file as described above, not only a song but also a video or a still image is displayed. It is recorded (for example, promotional video).

Next, an operation panel that can be operated to reproduce a program that the viewer wants to view in this program reproduction system will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an embodiment of the operation panel. This operation panel is provided on the client PC side so that various operations (for example, program reproduction) can be performed by the viewer.
A list of sites A (B to N) is displayed in the “site display / selection area” on the operation panel, and the viewer can select one of the sites A (B to N). In the “program display / selection area”, the “program name” of the program list file stored in the selected site A (B to N) is displayed, and the viewer can select one of the programs. it can. In the “basic information display area”, various basic information relating to the content currently being played back (that is, “content basic information” of the program file) is displayed. The left triangle button B1 is a “REW button”, and is a button for rewinding the content being reproduced. The right triangle two buttons B4 are “FF buttons”, and are buttons for fast-forwarding the content being reproduced. The right triangle button B3 is a “play button”, which is a button for playing content. The square button B2 is a “stop button”, and is a button for stopping the content being reproduced. The “INFO button” is a button for displaying information described later. The “favorite add button” is a button for adding a program being played back to the favorite list file. The “favorite editing button” is a button for displaying a favorite list editing screen (not shown) and editing a favorite list file. The “original program edit button” is a button for displaying / creating / editing an original program file by displaying an original program creation screen (not shown).
Although not shown in FIG. 4, a video display area (an area for displaying moving images and still images) is also provided separately.

  When the “INFO button” is operated, information display as shown in FIG. 5 is performed. In this embodiment, the video is displayed on the left side and various information related to the content is displayed on the right side. As various information related to the content, for example, information related to music such as MIDI and audio is displayed. That is, the song name, genre, artist, songwriter, composer, label, file type, performance time of the song, and the like are displayed. Further, a purchase price necessary for purchasing the music (content) is displayed. Each content can be purchased online, and the viewer can purchase the content by operating a “purchase button”. Since the technology related to online content purchase is well known, a description thereof is omitted here.

6A to 6C are flowcharts showing an embodiment of a program reproduction process performed in the above-described program reproduction system. FIG. 6A shows a flow of the first half of the process, FIG. 6B shows a flow following the first half of the process, and FIG. 6C shows a flow of the second half of the process. That is, after the process in FIG. 6A, the processes in FIGS. 6B and 6C are sequentially performed. Hereinafter, the operation of the processing will be described according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6A to 6C.
6A, in order to play a program, the viewer selects one of the sites displayed in the “site display / selection area” of the operation panel (see FIG. 4) arranged on the client PC. (Step 1). As a site that can be selected, there are a plurality of sites A (B to N) on the communication network X, but there are also other sites (that is, client PCs). If the selected site is local (YES in step 2), the program name of the favorite program list file is displayed in the “program display / selection area” on the operation panel (step 3). If the selected site is one of the sites A (B to N) on the communication network X (NO in step 2), the URL of the selected site A (B to N) is sent to the communication network X. (Step 4). At this time, if the client PC is not connected to the communication network X, connection is made (for example, dial-up connection). Here, to simplify the explanation, assuming that the site A is selected in step 4, the site A sends the program list file held by the site A to the client PC (step 5). The client PC acquires the program list file and stores it in the program list storage unit. Then, the program name of the stored program list file is displayed in the “program display / selection area” on the operation panel (step 6). The viewer arbitrarily selects any program from the displayed list of program names (step 7).

  When a program is selected by the viewer, it is determined whether or not the program is an original program (step 8 in FIG. 6B). If it is an original program (YES in step 8), since the program file is stored in the client PC, it is not necessary to acquire the program file from the site A, and the process jumps to step 12. On the other hand, if it is not the original program (NO in step 8), the URL of the selected program file is sent out on the communication network X in order to acquire the program file from the site A on the communication network X (step 9). When the client PC is not connected to the communication network X (when a local site is selected in step 2), the client PC is connected to the communication network X. Site A sends the program file specified by the URL to the client PC (step 10). The client PC acquires this program file and stores it in the program file storage unit (step 11). In this way, the viewer selects any program from among a large number of programs.

Next, the content is reproduced according to the selected original program file or the acquired program file. There are two types of content playback, “online mode” and “offline mode” as playback modes. “Online mode” is a mode selected by a viewer who is always connected to the client PC on the communication network X. “Offline mode” is a mode in which the client PC is temporarily connected to the communication network X by dial-up connection or the like. This mode is selected by the person. In the “online mode”, necessary content is acquired from the site A every time content is reproduced (that is, content is acquired in real time). On the other hand, in the “offline mode”, all contents for one program are first acquired from the site A. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the connection time on the communication network X in the “offline mode”. On the other hand, in the “online mode”, the necessary content is acquired each time, so the waiting time until the content playback is shortened and the real-time property is improved.
First, the operation in the “online mode” will be described (YES in step 12). In this case, first, the client PC automatically selects the first content information in the program file (step 13), and displays the basic content information in the basic information display area on the operation panel (step 14). As will be described later, information is acquired from site A and displayed, but this basic information is stored in the program file, and there is no need to acquire information from site A every time it is displayed. Therefore, network traffic can be reduced. After the display, the content URL of the selected content information is sent to the site A (step 15), and the site A receives the content URL and sends the content file (step 16). The client PC obtains this, passes the content file to the playback engine (dedicated hardware device or software program that performs playback processing) according to the file type (MIDI, audio, video, still image, etc.) and starts playback of the content (Step 17).

Next, the operation in the “offline mode” will be described (NO in step 12). First, the content URL of all the content information in the program file is transmitted (step 18), and this is received on the site A side and all the specified content files are transmitted (step 19). Here, the sending order of the content URL sent from the client PC side or the content file sent from the site A side may not be the playback order in the program. At this time, if the client PC is not connected to the communication network X, it is connected. The client PC acquires all content files and disconnects from the communication network X. The acquired content file is stored in the cache memory (step 20). Then, the head content information in the program file is selected (step 21), the basic content information is displayed (step 22), and the playback engine corresponding to the file type (MIDI, audio, moving image, still image, etc.) is displayed. The content file is passed and the reproduction of the content is started (step 23).
In the above-described embodiment, all contents for one program are acquired at a time in the “offline mode”. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For all programs on a single site or a plurality of designated programs. You may make it acquire all the contents of collectively. In this way, the viewer can play a plurality of programs continuously by connecting to the communication network once. Further, the content is reproduced after the content file to be reproduced is downloaded. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the content file may be streamed and the content may be immediately reproduced on the client PC side. .

  When the reproduction of the content is started in steps 17 and 23, the process proceeds to step 24 in FIG. 6C. In step 24, it is determined whether or not the content has been reproduced. If the reproduction of the content has been completed (YES in step 24), it is determined whether or not there is next content information in the program file (step 25). If there is next content information (YES in step 25), the content information is selected (step 26). If it is “online mode” (YES in step 27), the process jumps to step 14, and if it is not “online mode” (NO in step 27), the process jumps to step 22. If there is no next content information (NO in step 25), the next program file in the program list file is selected (step 28), and the process jumps to step 12. Thus, a plurality of programs are reproduced one after another. In the process of step 28, if there is no next program file in the program list, the reproduction of all the contents in the program file has been completed. Therefore, the series of program reproduction processes shown in FIGS. You may make it complete | finish, or you may make it select the top program file in a program list again.

  When the “FF button” or “REW button” on the operation panel is operated during the reproduction of the content (NO in step 24) (step 29), the content information immediately after the content being reproduced in the program file is displayed. Select (when the “FF button” is operated) or select content information immediately before the content being played back (when the “REW button” is operated) (step 30), and step Fly to 27. Thus, the viewer can skip a song that he / she does not like, which is impossible with a normal radio or television program, or can listen to a song currently being listened to again.

  When the “INFO button” is operated (YES in step 31), the content ID of the selected program file is sent to the site A (step 33). At this time, if the client PC is not connected to the communication network X, it is connected. When the site A receives the content ID, it searches the content database for other content files related to the content (step 34). For example, when a content ID of a MIDI song is received, audio content, still image content (for example, a CD jacket photo) related to the MIDI song, various information contents (song title, genre, artist, songwriter, composer) , Label, performance time, purchase price, etc.), music score content, etc. Then, an information file is created based on the retrieved content file and sent to the client PC (step 35). The client PC acquires the information file and displays the information (step 36).

As described above, a “purchase button” is displayed on the information display screen (see FIG. 5), and when the viewer operates the “purchase button” (YES in step 37), the content (for example, a MIDI song) is displayed. File) and content related to the content (for example, an audio content file, a score content file, etc.) can be purchased. That is, the client PC sends a purchase command and a content ID to the site A (step 38), and the site A receives the purchase command and relates to the purchase of the content corresponding to the content ID and the content related to the content. Processing is performed (step 39). It should be noted that the relationship between the content acquired for playback in the program and the content purchased here can be as follows. For example, the content acquired for playback in a program is a part of a song or sample content with low quality, and the purchased content is the entire song or content with high quality. Then, “other processing” is performed regardless of whether or not the “purchase button” is operated (step 40). As the “other processing”, when a display unit is selected on the information display (for example, mouse click), various processes relating to the display contents are executed (for example, when an artist is selected, other contents relating to the artist are selected). Search and display). When “other processing” is completed, the process jumps to step 24.
The information display / content purchase processing described above is executed in the same manner regardless of whether the program is supplied from the site A or a locally stored favorite or original program. Further, it is executed even when the “FF button” or “REW button” is operated. Thus, the viewer can obtain information on a favorite song and purchase content when he / she likes it.

If the “INFO button”, “favorite edit button”, or “original program creation button” is operated in step 31 without operating the “INFO button” (NO in step 31), the “favorite / original program processing” is performed. Is performed (step 32). FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of “favorite / original program processing”.
When the “favorite addition button” is operated (YES in step 51), the currently selected program file is registered in the favorite program list file (step 52). That is, “program name” and “program file URL” are additionally registered in the favorite program list file. On the other hand, when the “favorite edit button” is operated (YES in step 53), the contents of the favorite program list file are edited (step 54). In editing, for example, the order of programs in the favorite program list can be changed, or a desired program can be deleted from the favorite program list. The editing process is executed by displaying an editing screen (not shown) on the display and performing an editing operation on the display screen.

When the “original program creation button” is operated (YES in step 55), a keyword relating to the content to be stored as the original program is designated (step 56). For example, an artist name or a music genre is designated as a keyword. Then, the client PC sends the keyword and search command to the site A (step 57). Site A searches the content database based on this keyword and lists the corresponding content (step 58). Then, based on the listed contents, an original program file is created and sent to the client PC (step 59). In this original program file, “content URL”, “content ID”, and “content basic information” are stored as in the case of a normal program file. Note that the contents are arranged in a predetermined order (for example, alphabetical order, Japanese syllabary order, order found by search, etc.). On the client PC side, the original program file is acquired and stored, and registered in the favorite program list (step 60). Then, the viewer edits the contents of the original program file as necessary (step 61). For example, the arrangement of contents is changed, or desired contents are deleted. When a new original program is created on the site A side, the past (old) original program file stored on the client PC side may be discarded, or only new contents may be discarded. You may make it add to. Alternatively, a plurality of original program files may be stored.
In the creation of the original program, the contents listed by the search on the site A side are arranged as they are in the predetermined order as the original program file, but only the desired contents listed are designated from the client PC side. The site A may be configured to create an original program file consisting only of designated content. Further, although the program editing function is provided on the client PC side, it may be provided on the site A side. In this case, an edit command is sent from the client PC side, and the site A side performs editing such as changing the order or deleting based on this edit command.

  Although not shown in the above-described flows (FIGS. 6A to 6C and FIG. 7), the playback of the content can be stopped by operating a stop button (see FIG. 4) during the playback of the content. . Then, the reproduction of the content stopped by the operation of the replay button (see FIG. 4) can be resumed. In addition, the viewer may arbitrarily end each of the above processes by giving an appropriate instruction.

  In the above-described program reproduction system, when reproduction of one content is completed, the program is advanced by reproducing the next content. That is, since the program (program file or the like) is configured in such a manner, a plurality of contents cannot be reproduced in parallel. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a program (program file or the like) may be configured so that a plurality of contents can be reproduced in parallel. In this way, for example, it is possible to make a program such as simultaneously playing a MIDI song while playing an audio MC, or playing a MIDI image while switching still images as background images. Become. FIG. 8 shows an example of a program file configured so that a plurality of contents can be reproduced in parallel.

One program file is composed of a plurality of tracks, and each track corresponds to each type of content file (MIDI, audio, moving image, still image, etc.). That is, a plurality of types of content files are not mixedly stored in one track. In this case, each content can be read in parallel from a plurality of tracks. That is, a plurality of contents can be read from different tracks in a time-overlapping manner, and the plurality of read contents are transferred to different dedicated playback engines and played back. That is, a plurality of playback engines operate in parallel for each type of content. Since reproduction processing for reading out data of a plurality of tracks in parallel is well known in the field of automatic performance and the like, description thereof is omitted here. Note that the playback timings of two consecutive contents in one track are not overlapped in time. The processing after reading the program file is the same as the processing described above.
The plurality of tracks may be realized by dividing the storage area as shown in FIG. 8 (that is, contents with different tracks are stored separately for each track), or track identification data for each content. May be realized without dividing the storage area (that is, contents having different tracks are mixedly stored).

  When playing back a plurality of contents at the same time, it is desirable to provide effects such as fade-in / out. In order to give effects such as fade-in / out, contents to be faded-in / out may be prepared in advance, or a command for designating fade-in / out is embedded in the program together with the designated timing information. Alternatively, fade-in / out may be started when the command is read out. The effect when the command is embedded is not limited to the fade-in / out effect. In other words, if the content is a song or MC, an acoustic effect such as reverb may be used, and if the content is a still image or moving image, a video effect such as mosaic or wipe may be used. These effects are not limited to being given at the start or end timing of the content, but may be given during the reproduction of the content.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the client may be a mobile communication terminal MT such as a mobile phone, PHS, or mobile terminal. In that case, the portable communication terminal MT is assumed to have an appropriate tone generation function (sound source function or sequencer function). FIG. 9B is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the portable communication terminal MT having a musical sound generation function. The portable communication terminal MT includes a microcomputer including a CPU 102, a RAM 103, and a ROM 104 in addition to a normal cellular phone side circuit 101, and a communication interface 105 is provided between the cellular phone side circuit 101 and the microcomputer. Communicate with each other via The mobile phone side circuit 101 has an Internet function or a simple Internet function. When a wireless telephone connection is established with the sites (servers) A to N during the Internet communication, the above-described circuit is provided via the internal communication interface 105. Information communication between the built-in microcomputer and the sites (servers) A to N is enabled. The ROM 104 stores programs and data necessary for the tone generation function, and further stores a program reproduction processing program (application software) according to the present invention. In this case, the ROM 104 may use a rewritable memory such as a flash ROM so that the program and data for generating musical sounds or the contents of the application software according to the present invention can be updated at any time.

It should be noted that the functions of the various buttons for input operation use switches provided in the mobile phone side circuit MT. In that case, the switch operation information in the cellular phone side circuit 101 is received by the built-in microcomputer via the internal communication interface 105, and the process according to the present invention described above proceeds according to these operation input signals. In addition, various data such as contents received from the sites (servers) A to N in the course of this processing are sent from the mobile phone side circuit 101 to the built-in microcomputer via the communication interface 105 and stored in the RAM 103. Various data such as received content is sent to the mobile phone side circuit 101 via the communication interface 105 and can be displayed on the display. Further, various data such as received content or various data such as content generated by the built-in microcomputer is sent to the mobile phone side circuit 101 via the communication interface 105, and from there, the desired portable communication via the radio telephone line. It can be transmitted to the terminal MT, personal computer, or the like (for example, transmitted as an attachment to an e-mail). In addition, content generated on the built-in microcomputer side can also be sent to the mobile phone side circuit 101 via the communication interface 105 and emitted from the built-in speaker or displayed on the display. Note that a MIDI interface 106 may be provided so that MIDI performance data can be transmitted to and received from the outside. Furthermore, the preferred ones of the MIDI files, audio files, moving image files, still image files, etc. taken from the sites (servers) A to N as described above are stored by appropriate means, and these are received by the mobile phone. It can be used as a melody, a hold melody, or image data notifying incoming calls. Also, a favorite one of these MIDI files, audio files, moving image files, still image files, etc. can be used as background music or background visual images during a call.
In addition, when content is purchased, the content purchase price may be added to the usage fee of the portable communication terminal MT and charged to the content purchaser, or separately from the usage fee of the portable communication terminal MT. You may make it charge a content purchase price to a content purchaser. Further, when the portable communication terminal MT is used as a client, not all the functions as described above may be provided but only some functions may be provided.

The “FF button” or “REW button” enables selection of the next or previous content. However, the content may be moved forward or backward by a predetermined time. In addition, when selecting the next or previous content in a program that simultaneously reproduces the contents of a plurality of tracks, the viewer can select which track content is to be advanced to the next or previous content. Alternatively, the track on which the content is advanced may be fixed in advance. Further, it is possible to provide at least one of the functions without providing both the fast-forwarding and rewinding functions of the content. Furthermore, it is not limited to fast forward and rewind during content playback, and fast forward and rewind may be possible during playback pause.
A WEB browser may be used for information display and content purchase instructions. In other words, a WEB browser process may be activated separately from the “client-side process” and information may be displayed during the WEB browser process so that a purchase instruction can be given. Further, the information display and the content purchase instruction are not limited to the content reproduction, but may be possible while the reproduction is paused.
Various data such as program files and content files may be supplied from an external storage medium, or may be supplied from an external device to a site or client via a communication interface.
Content information such as program files may be stored in a continuous area in time series, or content information scattered and stored in skipped areas may be separately managed as time series continuous data. Also good. That is, it is only necessary to manage the content information as time-sequential continuous content, and it does not matter whether the content information is continuously stored in the storage area.
Further, the functions described above are not limited to those realized by a built-in microcomputer provided separately from the mobile phone side circuit 101, and resources (CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., not shown) in the mobile phone side circuit 101 are used. Thus, the functions as described above may be realized. The format of the music file is not limited to a MIDI file, and a music performance information encoded in some form may be used. The format of the audio file is not limited to PCM, and other appropriate compression-coded formats such as ADPCM and DPCM may be used. The moving image file and the still image file may be used as appropriate compressed data.

Next, a second embodiment of the program creation / playback apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 10 is a hardware block diagram showing another embodiment of the entire configuration of the program playback system to which the program creation / playback apparatus according to the present invention is applied. As can be understood from FIG. 10, the program reproduction system shown in this embodiment includes a plurality of sites (servers) A to N (however, only one site is representatively shown in FIG. 10) and a plurality of client PCs 1. ~ PCn and the communication network X. These sites A to N and clients PC1 to PCn are configured by computers (not shown) including a CPU, ROM, RAM, hard disk, modem, etc., each independently including a LAN (local area network), the Internet, a telephone line, etc. Data (for example, original user program files and contents generated by the user) can be transmitted or received via the various communication networks X. That is, the hardware configuration is the same as that of the program playback system shown in FIG. 1, and the user accesses the sites A to N via the communication network X using any of the client PCs 1 to PCn, and the client PC 1 ~ PCn and each site A ~ N can be used to send and receive various data. Of course, as shown in FIG. 9A, it is needless to say that various sites can be transmitted and received by accessing each site A to N using a portable communication terminal MT.

Each site A to N stores a user management file, a site DB, and a user DB. The user management file is a file that stores a plurality of user identification information (for example, user name, password, address, etc.) for each user, and identifies users who have accessed each site A to N via the clients PC1 to PCn. This file is used when determining whether or not each site A to N is a permitted user. For example, when the user is permitted to access each site A to N, the data content is additionally registered in the user DB prepared in each site A to N, or the data content of the user DB is stored. Can be changed. In each site A to N, two databases (DB), a site DB and a user DB, are prepared. The site DB is a database for storing various types of information (for example, site program list files, a plurality of site program files, a plurality of site contents) prepared in advance for each of the sites A to N, and the user DB is a user DB. It is a database that stores created user content, user program files and user program list files created on the sites A to N according to user instructions. This user DB is assigned to each user when the user first accesses each of the sites A to N (for example, when user registration is performed). As described above, the site DB or the user DB stores the program list file, the program file, the content, and the like managed by the owner of each database for each database. That is, the site DB is a database that can be managed by the owners of the sites A to N, and the user DB can be managed only by each user registered in the sites A to N. Since the details of the information stored in these DBs (that is, the program list file, the program file, and the content) have already been described (see FIG. 1), the description is omitted here. The program file or content has usage management information (for example, a “read-only” right that can only refer to the data, or changes in addition to referring to the data) for the owner to manage the data. Corresponding access right information etc. in which “read / write” rights that can be added are defined for each user.
The clients PC1 to PCn are terminals having a communication function for using the above information prepared for each of the sites A to N, and access to each site A to N and stored in each site A to N. Play a program file, create a new program file on each site A to N, upload content stored in the clients PC1 to PCn to each site A to N, or each site A to N The program file can be acquired from the client PC1 and used on the client PC1 to PCn side. That is, the clients PC1 to PCn are contents created on the client PC1 to PCn side, contents and program files acquired from outside the client PC1 to PCn (for example, sites A to N and external storage media), and these contents and program files. A program reproduction program for reproducing the program is stored.

In this second embodiment, the user creates and registers a program in which contents are appropriately combined in each of the sites A to N, so that the original program reflecting the user's intention in detail is transferred to other users ( That is, it can be distributed to the clients PC1 to PCn). FIG. 11 shows user program creation processing in which an original user program file is created and registered in any one of user-desired sites A to N by designating contents using predetermined clients PC1 to PCn. I will explain. However, here, an example in which a user program file is created and registered in the site A based on content specification from the client PC 1 will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the user program creation process. This process is started when the “original program creation button” (see FIG. 4) on the operation panel described above is operated, and after step 56 (see FIG. 7) in the “favorite / original program process” described above. It is another processing example of the operation | movement of.

  First, in order to create an original program, the user instructs (requests) the start of program creation from the client PC 1 to the desired site A (step S1). In the site A instructed to start program generation from the client PC 1, the user who issued the instruction is identified (step S2). This user identification is performed with reference to a user management file stored in the site A. For example, the user identification is performed based on the address of the client PC 1 used for access by the user, or when the user accesses the site A (program creation starts). This is performed by inputting the user name and password from the client PC 1 at the time of request. If such user identification is performed correctly, the site A creates information (hereinafter referred to as a list file) that lists the contents that the user can use to create the user program file, and sends the list to the client PC 1. The file is transmitted (step S3). Content that can be used by the user when creating a user program (that is, content described in the list file) is content stored in advance in the site A (that is, content stored in the site DB), Content registered by the user in the site A (that is, content stored in the user DB of the user) and content that is allowed to be accessed by the user in content created by other users (that is, other than the user) Content stored in the user DB). The client PC 1 displays a content selection screen (described later) based on the acquired list file, and receives content selection and various settings related to the content (step S4). At this time, the content displayed on the content selection screen is only the content that can be used by the user.

Here, the content selection screen will be briefly described. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a content selection screen.
The content selection screen is displayed based on the list file received from the site A. As shown in FIG. 12, a site content display / selection area, a user (self) content display / selection area, another user content display / selection area, a selected content display area, and a decision button are displayed on the content selection screen. . The “site content display / selection area” displays a list of only the contents (that is, site contents) stored in advance in the site DB of the site A among the contents described in the received list file. The “user (self) content display / selection area” displays only the content (that is, user content) registered in the site by the user from the content described in the received list file. The “other user content display / selection area” displays a list of only the contents of other users among the contents described in the received list file. These contents can be selectively designated as contents used in the user program file being created. In the “selected content display area”, only the selected content among the contents displayed in each display / selection area described above is displayed. For example, when a desired content is clicked with the mouse from each of the contents displayed in each display / selection area, only the clicked content is displayed in the “selected content display area”. By repeating this selection operation, a plurality of contents can be selected, and the selected contents are displayed in the selected contents display area in the order of selection (playback order). In the “selected content display area”, the reproduction order of the designated content, the reproduction time of each content, and the like can be set by performing a predetermined operation on the displayed content. If the “OK” button is operated after all such content selection and setting is completed, information indicating that selection and setting has been completed and information indicating the selected and set contents are transmitted to the site. Then (see step S5 in FIG. 11 described later), the process proceeds to the next process.

Returning to FIG. 11, when the selection and setting of the content is determined (that is, finished) (step S5), the server A transmits comment input screen information for inputting a comment to the client PC 1 (step S6). That is, information for a screen (comment input screen) that prompts the user to input a comment for each selected content is created on the site A side, and the information is transmitted to the client PC 1. The client PC 1 displays a comment input screen (to be described later) based on the acquired comment input screen information, and receives a comment input (step S7). When input of a comment is determined (that is, terminated) by the client PC 1 (step S8), the site A creates a program file based on the designated content and the input comment, and registers it in the user DB managed by the user. (Step S9). That is, the site A generates a user program file as shown in FIG. 3 from information related to selection and setting of content received from the client PC 1 and information related to comments. The user program file generated in this way is registered (that is, stored) in the database of the creating user, and information related to the program is added to the user program list file.
By doing so, the user can create a new original program reflecting the user's own intentions in detail, and the created original program can be published on the site A.

Here, the comment input screen described above will be briefly described. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a comment input screen.
The comment input screen is displayed based on the comment input screen information received from the site A. As shown in FIG. 13, on the comment input screen, an area for displaying the content selected by the user (shown as “selected content name” in the figure) and a “comment input area” for inputting a comment to be attached to the content. Are displayed in the playback order of the content set by the user. When the “OK” button is operated, various comments input from the comment input screen are transmitted to the site A in association with each content, and the process proceeds to the next processing (program file registration) described above. Comments input from this comment input screen are stored as content basic information (see FIG. 3) of the corresponding content. This comment is displayed in the basic information display area on the operation panel as shown in FIG. 4 while the content corresponding to the program is being played. Since this display operation corresponds to step 14 (or step 22) in FIG. 6B, description thereof is omitted here.

  The user program file created as described above can be used by any user who can access the site A. Specifically, in step 5 and step 6 in FIG. 6A already described, the client PC obtains the user program list file stored in all user DBs of the site A together with the site program list file and is acquired by the client PC. Thus, all program files on the site A are displayed in the program display / selection area on the operation panel as shown in FIG. The reproduction of the user program file may be the same method as the reproduction of the program file already described, and thus the description thereof is omitted here. That is, the reproduction operation has already been described from step (20) 21 in FIG. 6B to step 28 in FIG. 6C. However, in the first embodiment described above, original program files (corresponding to user program files) are stored in the clients PC1 to PCn, whereas in the second embodiment, user program files are stored in the sites A to N. Therefore, in the process of step 8 in FIG. 6B, the user program file is always downloaded from the sites A to N.

In the second embodiment as described above, not only the program file is created and stored on the site side by selecting and setting the content from the client PC, but also the content created by the user is registered on the site side. As a result, a program using original user content can be created and distributed to other users (or client PCs). Therefore, a process in which the user uploads (that is, registers) user content from the client PC to the site will be described next. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of content addition processing. This process is activated when a “content addition button” (not shown) displayed on the operation panel (see FIG. 4) is operated. The detection of the presence / absence of the button operation performed at this time may be performed, for example, after step 3, step 6, or step 32 in FIG.
In step S11 of FIG. 14, the user instructs the desired site A to start adding content from a predetermined client PC1. In the site A instructed to start content addition from the client PC 1, content addition screen information is transmitted to the client PC 1 instructed to add content (step S 12). The client PC 1 obtains the content addition screen information and displays a content addition screen (described later) so that the user can accept the specification of the content desired to be added and the setting of the access right to the content (step S13).

Here, the content addition screen will be briefly described. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a content addition screen.
The content addition screen is displayed based on the content addition screen information received from the site A. As shown in FIG. 15, an additional content designation area and an access right display / setting area are displayed on the content addition screen. In the “additional content designation area”, additional content can be designated by designating an address (in the client PC or an external storage device externally connected thereto) where the content to be added is stored. ing. In this case, it is possible to specify a plurality of contents. The “access right display / setting area” displays a list of users registered in the site A using information in the user management file on the site A. A user who is permitted to use the content to be added this time is selected from the list. Information about the user is included in the content addition screen information.

  Returning to FIG. 14, when content addition and setting are determined (that is, finished) using the content addition screen, the content to be added and the setting information (access right) for the desired site A instructed to start content addition. And the like) (step S14). The site A identifies the content to be added and the user who has transmitted the setting information for the content (step S15), sets the access right corresponding to the setting information for the received content, and the database of the identified user (Step S16). That is, the site A registers (that is, stores) the content received from the client PC 1 in a dedicated database (that is, user DB) assigned to the user who transmitted the content. At the time of content registration in the user DB, an access right to the content is set based on setting information attached to the content, and the content is registered together with the access right. This access right is, for example, information that defines whether or not other users can create a new user program file using the content, and this access right is attached to the content itself. You may make it register, and you may make it register collectively the access right as management information.

  Next, processing for acquiring an original user program file generated by the user from the site will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a program file acquisition process. In this embodiment, when a user downloads a program file from site A, only the programs that can be downloaded by the user are displayed in a list on the operation panel of the client PC 1 (see FIG. 4), and a program is appropriately selected from the list. Here is an example that you can do: The program file acquisition process is started when a “program acquisition button” (not shown) displayed on the operation panel is operated. The detection of the presence / absence of button operation at this time may be performed, for example, after step 3, step 6 or step 32 in FIG.

  When the client PC 1 instructs the site A to acquire a program (step S21), the site A identifies the user who issued the program acquisition instruction based on the user identification information (step S22). When user identification is normally performed, that is, when the user is permitted to access the site A, a list of program files that can be acquired by the user (that is, a list file that lists the program files that can be acquired by the user). Is transmitted to the client PC 1 (step S23). That is, in this embodiment, the program file that can be acquired by the user is only the user program file created by the user. When the client PC 1 obtains the list file, it displays a program selection screen on the operation panel and accepts selection of a program by the user (step S24). This program selection screen is omitted from illustration because it has almost the same display form as the content selection screen (see FIG. 12). However, the program selection screen is different from the content selection screen in that “program file display” is used instead of “content display / selection area”. / Selection area "is displayed. In this “program file display / selection area”, a list of programs that can be selected by the user is displayed. When the user decides to select a program using the program selection screen (step S25), the program file of the selected program and the content used in the program are transmitted from the site A to the user (step S26). ). That is, the program file selected by the user and all the contents used for reproducing the program are transmitted from the site A to the client PC 1. The client PC 1 stores the transmitted program file and content (step S27). By storing the transmitted program file and contents, the client PC 1 can play the program based on the received program file at any time without accessing the site A (that is, offline). . In addition, the program can be announced to other users on its own site that is started and operated solely by the client PC 1. In such a case, the program reproduction program for executing the reproduction process described in FIG. 6 is downloaded from the site A so that the program file can be reproduced at the user's own site, and the site described in the present embodiment. The operation of A is performed on the client PC 1 starting up its own site.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which only programs that can be downloaded by the user are displayed as a list, and a program is appropriately selected from the list. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a list of all the programs on the site is displayed, and a downloadable program is permitted for the user, and a downloadable program can be downloaded. Predetermined information may be displayed. Next, another embodiment of the process for acquiring the program file will be described.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing another example of the program file acquisition process. The process displays a list of all programs stored on the site on the operation panel of the client PC, and can negotiate with a user who owns the program so that the program that cannot be downloaded can be downloaded. This process is set by the site to display the information. However, it is assumed that each user can appropriately set an access right to the user program file created by the user. The list file transmitted from the site to the client PC is for displaying / selecting all program files on the site, and the user selects a desired program file using the list file. Since this operation is the same as the program file acquisition process already described (see FIG. 16), the illustration of the process in these portions is omitted, and the operation after selecting the program file is shown in FIG. That is, the process after step S24 in FIG. The operation when the selected program is obtainable (for example, a user program file owned by the user or a user program file of another user permitted to access) is the same as the operation of FIG. Since it is the same, description here is abbreviate | omitted.

  When the selection of a program is determined by the client PC 1 (step S31), it is determined whether or not the program file of the selected program is a program file that can be acquired by the user (step S32). If it is a program file (YES in step S32), contact information for contacting the user who owns the program file of the selected program is transmitted to the client PC 1 (step S33). The client PC 1 displays contact information for making contact using the received contact information to prompt the user to contact (step S34). The contact information is an e-mail address, an address, or a telephone number. As a safe method in which personal information is not lost, a method of gathering contacts between users in the form of a bulletin board via a site can be considered. As described above, when the program selected by the user is a program file that cannot be obtained, that is, a site program file or a user program file owned by another user for which access rights are not set, You can negotiate with the owner to set access rights.

As described above, the generated user program file is stored, the user program file is added to the list of programs published by the site (site program list file and user program list file), and this program list is presented to the client. I tried to do it. As a result, the contents of the program published on the site are varied.
In addition, the content received from the client is stored in correspondence with the usage management information (that is, the access right) of the content, and when creating the program file, only the content that can be used by the creator is selected. As a result, the types of content that can be used when creating a program file can be increased as appropriate, and the content created (added) by itself can be prevented from being freely used by other clients. This is useful from the viewpoint of preventing copyright infringement when it is a song or video.
Further, the program file is stored in association with the use management information (for example, access right) of the program file, and control is performed so that only the program file that can be acquired by the client can be selected when the program file is acquired. As a result, program files can be acquired on the client, and the program can be played back only by the client without reconnecting to the site, and the program file created by itself cannot be used by other users without permission. This is also useful from the standpoint of preventing copyright infringement.

In addition, when creating a user program file, the content that can be used by the user is restricted, but the user creates the user program file by using the content in all databases in the site without this usage restriction. You may be able to do it. However, it is most preferable to give a restriction as in the embodiment. In addition, only the content that can be used when creating the user program file is presented to the user, but when the content that cannot be used by selecting all the content is selected, the content owner is contacted and the content You can also ask for permission to use. In such a case, it can be realized by a process similar to the operation of the program file acquisition process (see FIG. 17).
In addition to the information described in the above embodiment, the user program file may include information such as a program name, a creator, a creation date and time, a comment regarding the program content, and the like. The added information is displayed when the program file is reproduced. For example, it may be displayed using the basic information display area of the operation panel shown in FIG.
In addition, it is preferable that the owner (user) of the file can set usage management information (for example, access right) for other users and attach the usage management information to the user program file. In this example, as described in the embodiment of the program file acquisition process (see FIG. 17), the usage management information indicating the access right is attached when the user program file is created, and thereafter only the owner of the file is used. (Of course, the site administrator) should be able to change it freely. Also, regarding the setting of usage management information (for example, access right) for the content, it is preferable that only the owner of the content (of course, the administrator of the site) can freely change after the content is added.
In the second embodiment described above, an example is shown in which the content itself used in the selected program file is transmitted to the client, and the program can be viewed by reproducing the content on the client. Not exclusively. For example, the content used in the program file selected by the server is sequentially played back without transmitting the content itself to the client, and the program can be viewed by transmitting the playback content to the client. Good.

According to the present invention, a program file including various content information such as a content URL is stored on the client side, and necessary contents are read from the server side for each content or in batch based on the program file to reproduce the program. To do. For this reason, even a program in which a plurality of types of contents having different properties are mixed can be played back, so that there is an effect that a program having various contents can be created.
In addition, since the viewer can freely create and publish the original program, there is an effect that the contents of the program announced on the site can be varied.

1 is a hardware block diagram showing an embodiment of the entire configuration of a program playback system to which a program creation / playback apparatus according to the present invention is applied. It is a conceptual diagram which shows one Example of the program list file used in the program reproduction | regeneration system shown in FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows one Example of the program file used in the program reproduction | regeneration system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows one Example of an operation panel notionally. It is a conceptual diagram which shows one Example of an information display. It is an example of the program reproduction process performed in the program reproduction system shown in FIG. 1, and is a flowchart which shows the first half part. FIG. 6B is a flowchart following the first half of the program playback process shown in FIG. 6A. FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing the latter half of the program playback process shown in FIG. 6A, following the process of FIG. 6B. It is a flowchart which shows one Example of a process of a favorite / original program. It is a conceptual diagram which shows one Example of the program file comprised so that a some content can be reproduced | regenerated in parallel. It is a block diagram which shows the example which uses a portable communication terminal as a client. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structural example of the portable communication terminal which gave the musical tone production | generation function. It is a hardware block diagram which shows another Example of the whole program reproduction system structure to which the program production / reproduction apparatus concerning this invention is applied. It is a flowchart which shows one Example of the user program creation process performed in the program reproduction | regeneration system shown in FIG. It is the schematic which shows one Example of a content selection screen. It is the schematic which shows one Example of a comment input screen. It is a flowchart which shows one Example of the content addition process performed in the program reproduction | regeneration system shown in FIG. It is the schematic which shows one Example of a content addition screen. It is a flowchart which shows one Example of the program file acquisition process performed in the program reproduction | regeneration system shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows another Example of the program file acquisition process performed in the program reproduction | regeneration system shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

B1 REW button B2 Stop button B3 Play button B4 FF buttons A to N Site (server computer)
PC (PC1 to PCn) Client (client computer)
X Communication network MT Portable communication terminal

Claims (10)

A program including a plurality of contents is released as a content on a predetermined site to a plurality of client apparatuses connected via a communication network and distributed in response to a request from any one of the client apparatuses. A program creation / playback device,
Storage means for storing a plurality plurality of contents, and defines a reproduction order of the contents of the program file for controlling the content of the program, respectively,
For any of the client device, and requests to select a plurality of contents, creates a program file that defines the reproduction order so that a plurality of the selected content is reproduced in the order based on a predetermined rule Adding means for additionally storing in the storage means as content to be disclosed on the predetermined site;
In response to a request from any one of the client devices , a plurality of program files stored in the storage unit including a program file additionally stored by the adding unit and released as content on the predetermined site . Any one of them is distributed to the client device, and in response to a request for content based on the distributed program file from the client device, the requested content is read from the storage means to the client device. A program creation / playback apparatus comprising distribution control means for distributing the program. A program including a plurality of contents is released as a content on a predetermined site to a plurality of client apparatuses connected via a communication network and distributed in response to a request from any one of the client apparatuses. A program creation / playback device,
Storage means for storing a plurality plurality of contents, and defines a reproduction order of the contents of the program file for controlling the content of the program, respectively,
Adding means for additionally storing content received from any of the client devices in the storage means as content to be disclosed on the predetermined site;
Desired content from among a plurality of contents stored in the storage unit including the content additionally stored by the adding unit that is disclosed as content on the predetermined site to any of the client devices. A program creation / playback apparatus, comprising: creation means for requesting a plurality of selections and creating a program file that defines a playback order so that a plurality of selected contents are played back in an order based on a predetermined rule . Means for identifying a user accessing the program creation device using any of the client devices;
Said creating means, of all contents stored in the storage means, the part of the user who utilizes the client device that requested the selection of the content has been observed using to the user include additional storage content The program creation / playback apparatus according to claim 2, wherein only content can be selected. A program including a plurality of contents is released as a content on a predetermined site to a plurality of client apparatuses connected via a communication network and distributed in response to a request from any one of the client apparatuses. A program creation / playback device,
Storage means for storing a plurality plurality of contents, and defines a reproduction order of the contents of the program file for controlling the content of the program, respectively,
For any of the client device, and requests to select a plurality of contents, creates a program file that defines the reproduction order so that a plurality of the selected content is reproduced in the order based on a predetermined rule Adding means for additionally storing in the storage means as content to be disclosed on the predetermined site;
In response to a request from any one of the client devices , a plurality of program files stored in the storage unit including a program file additionally stored by the adding unit and released as content on the predetermined site . A program creation / playback apparatus comprising: a distribution control unit that collectively distributes any one of the above and content based on the program file to the client apparatus. A program including a plurality of contents is released as a content on a predetermined site to a plurality of client apparatuses connected via a communication network and distributed in response to a request from any one of the client apparatuses. A program creation / playback method,
A step for storing a plurality each of the plurality of contents, and the program file for controlling the content of the program defines the reproduction order of the contents in a predetermined storage means,
For any of the client device, and requests to select a plurality of contents, creates a program file that defines the reproduction order so that a plurality of the selected content is reproduced in the order based on a predetermined rule And additionally storing in the storage means as content to be disclosed on the predetermined site;
In response to a request from any one of the client devices , a plurality of program files stored in the storage unit including a program file additionally stored by the adding unit and released as content on the predetermined site . Any one of them is distributed to the client device, and in response to a request for content based on the distributed program file from the client device, the requested content is read from the storage means to the client device. And delivering. A program including a plurality of contents is released as a content on a predetermined site to a plurality of client apparatuses connected via a communication network and distributed in response to a request from any one of the client apparatuses. A program creation / playback method,
A step for storing a plurality each of the plurality of contents, and the program file for controlling the content of the program defines the reproduction order of the contents in a predetermined storage means,
Additionally storing content received from any of the client devices in the storage means as content to be disclosed on the predetermined site;
Desired content from among a plurality of contents stored in the storage unit including the content additionally stored by the adding unit that is disclosed as content on the predetermined site to any of the client devices. Requesting a plurality of selections, and creating a program file that defines a playback order so that the selected plurality of contents are played back in an order based on a predetermined rule . A program including a plurality of contents is released as a content on a predetermined site to a plurality of client apparatuses connected via a communication network and distributed in response to a request from any one of the client apparatuses. A program creation / playback method,
A step for storing a plurality each of the plurality of contents, and the program file for controlling the content of the program defines the reproduction order of the contents in a predetermined storage means,
For any of the client device, and requests to select a plurality of contents, creates a program file that defines the reproduction order so that a plurality of the selected content is reproduced in the order based on a predetermined rule And additionally storing in the storage means as content to be disclosed on the predetermined site;
In response to a request from any one of the client devices , a plurality of program files stored in the storage unit including a program file additionally stored by the adding unit and released as content on the predetermined site . And delivering the contents based on the program file to the client device collectively. A machine-readable storage medium that publishes a program including a plurality of contents as a content on a predetermined site to a plurality of client devices connected via a communication network, A program for causing a processor to execute a program creation / playback method to be distributed in response to a request from a client device is stored, and the program creation / playback method includes:
A step for storing a plurality each of the plurality of contents, and the program file for controlling the content of the program defines the reproduction order of the contents in a predetermined storage means,
For any of the client device, and requests to select a plurality of contents, creates a program file that defines the reproduction order so that a plurality of the selected content is reproduced in the order based on a predetermined rule And additionally storing in the storage means as content to be disclosed on the predetermined site;
In response to a request from any one of the client devices , a plurality of program files stored in the storage unit including a program file additionally stored by the adding unit and released as content on the predetermined site . Any one of them is distributed to the client device, and in response to a request for content based on the distributed program file from the client device, the requested content is read from the storage means to the client device. And delivering. A machine-readable storage medium that publishes a program including a plurality of contents as a content on a predetermined site to a plurality of client devices connected via a communication network, A program for causing a processor to execute a program creation / playback method to be distributed in response to a request from a client device is stored, and the program creation / playback method includes:
A step for storing a plurality each of the plurality of contents, and the program file for controlling the content of the program defines the reproduction order of the contents in a predetermined storage means,
Additionally storing content received from any of the client devices in the storage means as content to be disclosed on the predetermined site;
Desired content from among a plurality of contents stored in the storage unit including the content additionally stored by the adding unit that is disclosed as content on the predetermined site to any of the client devices. Requesting a plurality of selections, and creating a program file that defines a playback order so that the selected plurality of contents are played back in an order based on a predetermined rule . A machine-readable storage medium that publishes a program including a plurality of contents as a content on a predetermined site to a plurality of client devices connected via a communication network, A program for causing a processor to execute a program creation / playback method to be distributed in response to a request from a client device is stored, and the program creation / playback method includes:
A step for storing a plurality each of the plurality of contents, and the program file for controlling the content of the program defines the reproduction order of the contents in a predetermined storage means,
For any of the client device, and requests to select a plurality of contents, creates a program file that defines the reproduction order so that a plurality of the selected content is reproduced in the order based on a predetermined rule And additionally storing in the storage means as content to be disclosed on the predetermined site;
In response to a request from any one of the client devices , a plurality of program files stored in the storage unit including a program file additionally stored by the adding unit and released as content on the predetermined site . And delivering the contents based on the program file to the client device collectively.

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