JP4475915B2 - Content reproduction apparatus, content reproduction method, content reproduction program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a content playback apparatus that receives, records, and plays back content such as a TV program through wired broadcasting or wireless broadcasting via the Internet, and more particularly, by a viewer of a TV program or the like to be played back on the content playback apparatus. It relates to technology that supports selection.

  In recent years, multi-channel broadcasting that reaches several hundred channels has been implemented by BS, CS digital broadcasting, and CATV. In the future, terrestrial TV broadcasting will be digitized, and the number of channels is expected to increase. In addition, efforts for content distribution using the Internet are also progressing. In this way, it is possible to select and view a favorite program and content from a great number of options at home.

  Since the number of options has greatly increased, it has become very difficult for viewers to grasp all the options of programs and contents that can be viewed. For this reason, there are many cases in which the viewer misses the program he / she wants to watch or passes without knowing that the program he / she wants to watch is provided. Such a mismatch is undesirable for both the viewer and the program provider.

  In order to solve such a problem, a function called an electronic program guide or EPG (electronic program guide) is provided in digital broadcasting. This is a program that broadcasts information such as the program name, broadcast time, channel, genre, performers, and brief introductions of programs scheduled to be broadcast in the next week or so on the TV screen. This provides a function for displaying a list of the above, narrowing and displaying by genre or keyword, and setting viewing and recording reservations. In addition, a service that realizes a similar electronic program guide function using the Internet has been put into practical use.

  Also, a device called a hard disk recorder has been put into practical use that allows programs that match the viewer's preferences to be automatically recorded on the hard disk and played back at any time later. Has been. There are a method for determining a program to be recorded based on preference information set by a viewer using keywords, a method for determining a program to be recorded by inferring the viewer's preference from information on programs that the viewer has viewed in the past, and the like. It has been put into practical use.

  However, even in the electronic program guide, when there are many options, the entire information becomes enormous and an oversight occurs. In addition, since there is a limit to the information that can be provided for each program, there are cases in which the viewer cannot determine whether the program is desired to be viewed. Also, for automatic recording based on preference information, it is very difficult to correctly grasp the viewer's preference and correctly judge that the viewer's preference matches the program content. There is a limit. As a result, even with these methods, the problem of missing a desired program has not been solved.

As a prior art other than the above, the history information of the program viewed by the user is obtained, the preference information created numerically from the attribute information of the program is created, and based on this, the program viewed by the user is converted into the program viewed by the user Some programs present similar programs to the user (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Also, the program selection status sent by the system user to the system provider is compared with other users, a user group having a high coincidence in the past usage frequency is calculated, and the program selection information of this group is recommended. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).
JP 2002-171231 A JP 2001-298777 A

  In general, as a topic when friends, acquaintances, etc. gather, impressions and criticisms about recently watched programs are often taken up. In such a situation, if you are watching a program that your friend or many friends have watched, you can use it as a common experience to communicate smoothly. That is, for example, a program supported by many friends and acquaintances, especially a program supported by good friends, It can be said that it is a powerful standard.

  The present invention supports each viewer's program selection by easily exchanging information on interesting programs between terminals owned by a plurality of viewers composed of friends, acquaintances, etc. It is something to try.

In order to achieve the above object, a content playback device according to the present invention includes an identifier holding unit that holds an identifier of another content playback device, and a content playback device corresponding to the identifier held by the identifier holding unit. Content information acquisition means for acquiring content information received from a user, and reservation recording means for reservation recording of content using the content information received by the content information acquisition means.

In this way, the content is automatically selected and played with reference to the content information input by the user of another content playback device registered in advance as a group by the identifier, so the user selects the content himself. You can record and view accurate content while saving time.
In this case, the content playback device may be a device having a recording / playback function such as a video deck in addition to a television receiver, and the effect can be obtained by applying the present invention to such a device. Can do.

The content reproduction apparatus according to the present invention includes a content information receiving unit that receives information about content from a user, and a content information transmitting unit that transmits the content information received by the content information receiving unit. .
In this way, it is possible to allow the user to record and view the appropriate content while saving time and effort for selecting the content of the user of another content reproduction apparatus.

  In the content playback apparatus according to the present invention, the recording time of the content related to the content information received by the content information receiving means overlaps the recording time of the content related to the content information received by the content information acquisition means. When the overlap determination unit for determining whether or not the recording time is determined to be overlapped by the overlap determination unit, the content related to the content information received by the content information acquisition unit is reserved for recording And a reserved recording prohibiting unit that prohibits the reserved recording unit from performing the recording.

In this way, since the user of the content reproduction apparatus can select and record the appropriate content, it is possible to view the accurate content while saving the user from selecting the content.
The content playback apparatus according to the present invention further includes a device number counting unit that counts the number of content playback devices that have received the same content information by the content information acquisition unit, and the reserved recording unit includes the device number counting unit. The contents related to the contents information are reserved for recording in descending order of the number of content reproducing apparatuses tabulated in FIG.

In this way, it is possible to record and watch content that is more popular among users of other content playback devices registered in advance as a group or content that is of interest, without the need to select. it can.
Further, the content playback apparatus according to the present invention provides a duplication determination unit that determines whether or not recording times of a plurality of contents to be reserved for recording by the reservation recording unit overlap, and a recording time by the overlap determination unit. If it is determined that there is an overlap, reserved recording of content other than the content with the largest number of the content playback devices counted by the counting means among the content with overlapping recording times, Reserved recording prohibiting means for prohibiting the means.

In this way, it is possible to select and record content that is more popular with the user of the content playback device, so that it is possible to view such content while saving the user from having to select content.
Further, the content reproduction apparatus according to the present invention receives the same content information by the importance level holding unit that holds the importance level corresponding to each identifier held by the identifier holding unit and the content information acquisition unit. Importance level totaling means for counting the total value of importance levels associated with the corresponding identifiers for each content reproduction device, and the reserved recording means correspond in descending order of the total value totaled by the importance level count means. It is characterized in that content related to content information is reserved for recording.

In this way, it is possible to record content that is recognized as more important among users of other content playback devices registered in advance as a group or content that is of interest, without the need to select. , You can watch.
Further, the content playback apparatus according to the present invention provides a duplication determination unit that determines whether or not recording times of a plurality of contents to be reserved for recording by the reservation recording unit overlap, and a recording time by the overlap determination unit. Reservation recording prohibiting means for prohibiting the reservation recording means from pre-recording contents other than the content having the largest total value among the contents having overlapping recording times when it is determined that they overlap. It is provided with these.

In this way, when the broadcast time etc. of the content overlap, it is possible to select and record the content recognized as important by the user of the content playback device. This content can be viewed while saving the trouble of selecting.
Further, the content reproduction apparatus according to the present invention includes an evaluation value totaling unit that totalizes an evaluation value included in the content information related to the same content, and the content information includes an evaluation value of the content related to the content information. The reserved recording means is characterized in that the content related to the corresponding content information is reserved for recording in descending order of the total value aggregated by the evaluation value aggregating means.

In this way, it is possible to record and view content that is highly appreciated among users of other content playback devices registered in advance as a group or content that is of interest, without the need to select. be able to.
Further, the content playback apparatus according to the present invention provides a duplication determination unit that determines whether or not recording times of a plurality of contents to be reserved for recording by the reservation recording unit overlap, and a recording time by the overlap determination unit. Reservation recording prohibiting means for prohibiting the reservation recording means from pre-recording contents other than the content having the largest total value among the contents having overlapping recording times when it is determined that they overlap. It is provided with these.

In this way, when the broadcast time of the content overlaps, it is possible to select and record the content highly evaluated by the user of the content reproduction apparatus, so the user's content is selected. This content can be viewed while saving time .

Further, in the content reproduction device according to the present invention, the content information received from the user by the content reproduction device corresponding to the identifier held by the identifier holding means is recorded by the user to the content reproduction device. It is characterized by showing content.
In this way, it is possible to refer to which content is recorded by the user in another content reproduction apparatus, and therefore it is possible to reduce time and effort for the user to select an appropriate content.

In this case, the content information may indicate a content to be reproduced by a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), and the content information indicates a content to be recorded by a television broadcast channel number and a broadcast time. It is also good.

In addition, the content reproduction apparatus according to the present invention includes an authentication information holding unit that holds authentication information for each identifier held by the identifier holding unit, and prior to transmitting the content information by the content information transmission unit. An authentication unit that performs an authentication process using the authentication information; and a transmission prohibiting unit that prohibits the content information transmitting unit from transmitting content information when the authentication unit fails in the authentication process. It is characterized by that.

  By doing so, it is possible to prevent content information from being transmitted to a content reproduction device other than the content reproduction device corresponding to the identifier held by the identifier holding means. Since the content information is information related to the privacy of the user of the content reproduction device, the privacy of each user of the content reproduction device can be protected by performing the above.

The content playback method according to the present invention includes an identifier holding step for holding an identifier of another content playback device, and a content received by the content playback device corresponding to the identifier held in the identifier holding step from the user. A content information acquisition step for acquiring information, and a reservation recording step for reserved recording of content using the content information received in the content information acquisition step.

The content playback program according to the present invention includes an identifier holding step for holding an identifier of another content playback device, and a content received by the content playback device corresponding to the identifier held in the identifier holding step from the user. A content information acquisition step for acquiring information and a reservation recording step for reserved recording of content using the content information received in the content information acquisition step are executed by a computer.

The computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention includes an identifier holding step for holding an identifier of another content playback device, and a content playback device corresponding to the identifier held in the identifier holding step from the user. A program for executing a content information acquisition step for acquiring received content information, and a reservation recording step for reserved recording of content using the content information received in the content information acquisition step is recorded. And

Embodiments of a content reproduction apparatus with information exchange function (hereinafter referred to as a content reproduction apparatus) according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a connection form of a content reproduction apparatus according to the present invention. A plurality of content playback apparatuses are used by different viewers, and are connected to each other via a communication path such as the Internet. Note that the number of content reproduction apparatuses is not limited to the illustrated number, and any number of content reproduction apparatuses may be connected.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of content reproduction apparatus 1001 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The content reproduction apparatus 1001 includes a group management unit 2001, an information input unit 2002, a communication control unit 2003, a communication unit 2004, an information holding unit 2005, a totaling unit 2006, an information display unit 2007, and a content reproduction unit. 2008.

The group management unit 2001 holds information such as addresses of one or more different content playback devices that form a group with the content playback device 1001. The information input unit 2002 receives input information from a viewer who is using the content playback apparatus 1001 and stores the input information in the content holding unit 2005.
The communication control unit 2003 reads the address information of one or more different content playback devices from the group management unit 2001, controls the communication unit 2004, and receives the one or more different content playback devices from the viewer. Is stored in the information holding unit 2005. Also, the communication control unit 2003 reads and returns input information from the viewer of the content reproduction device 1001 from the information holding unit 2005 in response to an information inquiry from a different content reproduction device.

The communication unit 2004 communicates with other content reproduction devices according to the control of the communication control unit 2003. The information holding unit 2005 receives the input information received from the viewer of the content playback device 1001 received by the information input unit 2002 and the viewers of one or more different content playback devices received by the communication control unit 2003. Store input information.
The totaling unit 2006 totals the information stored in the information holding unit 2005. The information display unit 2007 displays the information stored in the information holding unit 2005 and the information totaled by the totaling unit 2006. The content reproduction unit 2008 reproduces content according to the information aggregated by the aggregation unit 2006.

Hereinafter, each component of the content reproduction apparatus 1001 will be described in detail.
(Group Management Department)
The group management unit 2001 is a component that holds information such as addresses of one or more different content playback devices that form a group with the content playback device 1001, and is configured using a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. be able to. It is assumed that each piece of information on the content playback device that forms a group with the content playback device 1001 is set in advance by the viewer. For example, each other's content reproduction devices can be registered as a group with friends or family members.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a group management table held by the group management unit 2001. Each row of the group management table 3001 represents information of different content playback devices that form a group with the content playback device 1001. The group management table 3001 indicates that a total of seven content playback devices are registered as content playback devices that form a group with the content playback device 1001.

  A column 3002 represents address information for communicating with the content reproduction apparatus. This can be expressed using, for example, an IP address. Reference numeral 3003 denotes the name of the viewer who uses the content reproduction apparatus. A column 3004 indicates the degree to which the viewer using the content playback apparatus 1001 places importance on the input information of the viewer using the content playback apparatus.

  The larger the value, the more important the input information of the content reproduction apparatus is. For example, a high value can be set and used for a good friend or a reliable person. A column 3005 represents a personal identification number for authenticating the content reproduction apparatus. For example, in the row 3006, the address of the content reproduction apparatus shown in the first row is 192.168.0.1, the user name is “A child”, the importance is 5, and the personal identification number is 1234. It represents that. The same applies to the other lines.

Note that the personal identification number is not limited to a four-digit number as in this example, and an arbitrary number of digits, an arbitrary character / symbol, or the like may be used in combination.
(Information input part)
The information input unit 2002 is a component that receives input information from a viewer who uses the content reproduction apparatus 1001 and stores it in the content holding unit 2005. For example, the information input unit 2002 includes a remote control input device and its reception unit. Can do.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of input information input from the information input unit 2002.
The input information 4001 is that the program viewed by the viewer using the content playback apparatus 1001 has a channel number “10”, a start date and time of 10:00 on September 30, and an end date and time of September. It is a program at 11:00 on the 30th, and the viewer's comment on the program is “interesting and recommended”.

(Communication control unit)
The communication control unit 2003 reads the address information of one or more different content playback devices from the group management unit 2001 and controls the communication unit 2004 to input from the viewer to the one or more different content playback devices. It is a component that inquires about information and stores it in the information holding unit 2005.

Also, the communication control unit 2003 reads and returns input information from the viewer of the content reproduction device 1001 from the information holding unit 2005 in response to an information inquiry from a different content reproduction device.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication control unit 2003.
First, the index value N of the content playback apparatus that is the communication partner is set to 0 (S5001).

It is checked whether an inquiry message has been received from another terminal (S5002).
If a message has been received, the process proceeds to S5004, and if not, the process proceeds to S5009 (S5003).
The personal identification number is received from the other party content reproduction apparatus (S5004).
Next, the pair of the addressee content playback device and the received personal identification number are compared with the values in the group management table 3001 held by the group management unit 2001 to check whether they match (S5005).

If they match, the process proceeds to S5007. If they do not match, the process returns to S5002 (S
5006).
The input information 4001 of the viewer who uses the content playback device 1001 is read from the information management unit 2005, and a response message to the destination content playback device is created (S5007).

The created response message is transmitted to the counterpart content playback apparatus, and the process returns to S5002 (S5008).
If no inquiry message is received from another content playback device in S5003, the content corresponding to the index value N is retrieved from the group management table 3001 held by the group management unit 2001 in order to make an inquiry to the other content playback device. Read the address of the playback device. Note that the index value N corresponds to the content reproduction device indicated by the (N + 1) th row of the group management table 3001 (S5009).

A message for inquiring input information from a viewer who uses the content reproduction apparatus is created in the partner content reproduction apparatus (S5010).
The personal identification number of content reproduction device 1001 is transmitted to the counterpart content reproduction device. It is assumed that the personal identification number of the content reproduction apparatus 1001 is held in a personal identification number holding unit (not shown) of the communication control unit 2003 (S5011).

Next, an inquiry message is transmitted to the counterpart content playback apparatus (S5012).
It waits for and receives a response message from the counterpart content playback device (S5013).
The input information of the viewer who uses the other party content playback device stored in the received response message is read from the group management table 3001 and the user name and importance information corresponding to the content playback device are read out. A set is stored in the information holding unit 2005. (S5014).

1 is added to the index value N of the content playback apparatus which is the communication partner. However, if the value of N is equal to or greater than the total number of content playback devices managed by the group management unit 2001, the value is returned to 0 (S5015).
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of collected information collected from the seven content reproduction devices shown in the group management table 3001 held by the group management unit 2001 by the operation of the communication control unit 2003 described above.

  In the collected information 6001, column 6002 indicates the user name of the content playback device, column 6003 indicates importance, and columns 6004, 6005, and 6006 indicate that the viewer using the content playback device is currently viewing. The column 6007 shows the channel number, the start date / time, and the end date / time, respectively, and a column 6007 represents a comment on the program being viewed, which is input by the viewer using the content playback apparatus.

For example, the line 6008 shows that information collected from a content playback apparatus having a user name “A child” and an importance level “5” has a channel number “10” of the program being viewed and a start date and time “September”. 30th 10:00 ", the end date and time is" September 30 11:00 ", and the comment for the program is" absolutely recommended. " The same applies to the other rows.
(Communication Department)
The communication unit 2004 is a component that communicates with other content playback apparatuses according to the control of the communication control unit 2003, and can be configured using a general communication device for connecting to the Internet, such as a modem or a LAN adapter. it can.

(Information holding part)
The information holding unit 2005 is a component that stores the input information 4001 received from the viewer of the content reproduction device 1001 received by the information input unit 2002 and the collected information 6001 collected by the communication control unit 2003. It can be configured using a storage device such as a hard disk, an optical disk, or an IC card.

(Aggregation Department)
The totaling unit 2006 reads the collected information 6001 stored in the information holding unit 2005, and totals the total importance values assigned to the content playback devices on which the program is viewed for each program. A program is identified by a set of a channel number, a start date and time, and an end date and time. The totaling unit first extracts from the collected information 6001 a content playback device that is viewing the same program, that is, a content playback device that has the same channel number, start date and time, and end date and time. Aggregate by calculating.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a totaling table that is totalized by the totaling unit 2006 based on the collected information 6001 by the method described above. A column 7002, a column 7003, and a column 7004 indicate a channel number indicating a program, a start date and time, and an end date and time, respectively, and a column 7005 indicates a total importance value.
For example, row 7006 corresponds to a content playback apparatus that is viewing a program identified by a channel number “4”, a start date and time “September 30 at 9:00”, and an end date and time “September 30 at 11:00”. It is shown that the total value of importance is “1”. According to the collected information 6001, the content playback apparatus that is viewing the program is only the content playback apparatus corresponding to the user name “B male”, and the assigned importance is “1”. The total importance value corresponding to the program is “1”.

The row 7007 shows that the channel number is “8”, the start date and time is “September 30, 10:00”
This indicates that the total value of importance corresponding to the content playback device that is viewing the program identified with the end date and time “September 30 12:00” is “2”. According to the collected information 6001, the content playback devices that are viewing the program are the content playback device corresponding to the user name “C” and the content playback device corresponding to the user name “Dsuke”. There are two, and the assigned importance levels are “1” and “1”, respectively. Therefore, the total importance value corresponding to the program is “2”. The same applies to the other rows.

(Information display section)
The information display unit 2007 is a component that displays information stored in the information holding unit 2005 and information totaled by the totaling unit 2006 on a television screen or the like.
8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating an example of a display screen displayed by the information display unit 2007 based on the collected information 6001 held by the information management unit 2005 and the tabulation table 7001 tabulated by the tabulation unit 2006.

  The viewing status display screen 8001 displays a list of channel numbers of programs that are currently being broadcast in a column 8002 and program names in a column 8003. For each program, the content playback device 1001 and other content playback terminals that form a group are displayed. The viewing status of the viewers used is shown in column 8004, and the total importance assigned to each content playback terminal is listed in column 8005 as “recommendation”.

In the case of a television program, the program name can be displayed by acquiring information of an electronic program guide that is generally implemented in terrestrial analog broadcasting, digital broadcasting, or the like.
Line 8006 is a channel of channel number “10”, and the program name of the currently broadcast program is “Drama XX”. “A child”, “E beauty”, and “F child” This program is currently being viewed, and the “recommendation level”, which is the sum of the importance levels associated with the content playback terminals of the respective viewers, represents “12”. The same applies to the other rows.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the viewing status display screen 9001 displays a list of channel numbers of programs currently being broadcast in a column 9002 and program names in a column 9003. For each program, the content playback device 1001 and a group are displayed. This indicates that comments on the program of viewers using other content playback apparatuses that are configured are listed in the column 9004.

A row 9005 is a channel of channel number “10”, and the program name of the currently broadcast program is “Drama XX”, and “A child” is “absolutely recommended” and “E” for the program. This means that “Beauty” has commented “Psycho.” And “F child” has commented “Cannot be overlooked”. The same applies to the other rows.
(Content playback section)
The content playback unit 2008 follows the information tabulated by the tabulation unit 2006.
It is a component that plays back content.

Based on the total table 7001, the program is automatically reproduced for a certain period of time in descending order of the importance total value.
By configuring the content playback device as described above, the content playback device 1001 can view a program being viewed by a viewer who uses one or more different content playback devices registered in advance as a group, and comments on the program. It is possible to collect and aggregate the contents in consideration of the importance assigned in advance to each content reproduction apparatus and display it on the screen.

Thereby, a viewer who uses the content reproduction apparatus 1001 registers, for example, a content reproduction apparatus such as a friend or family as a group in advance, what kind of program the friend or family is viewing, It is possible to select a program to be viewed with reference to what kind of comment is made on the program.
In addition, the content reproduction apparatus 1001 can automatically reproduce a program based on the counting result. Thus, a viewer who uses the content playback apparatus 1001 can continuously watch programs that are being viewed by friends and family without particularly troublesome operations.

  In addition, since each of the different content playback devices constituting the group is configured in the same manner as the content playback device 1001, viewers using each content playback device also use the content playback device 1001. It is possible to select a program to be viewed while referring to a program being viewed by another viewer, a program being viewed by another viewer, or a comment. This makes it possible for friends to view the same program, and expects to obtain effects such as smooth communication using this as a common experience.

  Further, when the content playback apparatus 1001 responds to an inquiry from another content playback apparatus, the counterpart content playback apparatus can authenticate whether or not the content playback apparatus is registered as a group. As a result, it is possible to prevent the unknown viewer from knowing the program or comment that the viewer is viewing and to protect the privacy of the viewer.

In this embodiment, the case where the content being viewed on the content reproduction apparatus 1001 is a TV program specified by the channel number, the start date and time, and the end date and time has been described as an example. It may be content stored in a hard disk or the like, or content provided from the Internet or the like.
In the present embodiment, the case where the viewer using the content reproduction apparatus 1001 inputs a comment on the content has been described as an example. For example, evaluation point information indicating the degree of evaluation on the content, for example, 10 levels Information such as numerical evaluation such as evaluation, evaluation symbols such as ABC evaluation, or other information may be input.

  In the present embodiment, the totaling unit 2006 of the content playback apparatus 1001 counts the total importance level associated with the content playback apparatus that is viewing the content for each content. For example, another value such as the number of content playback devices that are viewing the content or the total value, average value, or maximum value of evaluation points input by the viewer of the content playback device that is viewing the content. It is good also as totaling.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the information display unit 2007 of the content reproduction device inputs, for each content, the name of the user of the content reproduction device that is viewing the content, the total importance value, and the viewer input Comments are displayed, but it is also possible to display other values such as the number of content playback devices that are viewing the content, the total value, average value, and maximum value of the evaluation points entered by the viewer Good.

  In the present embodiment, the content playback unit 2008 of the content playback device automatically plays back the program for a certain period of time in descending order of the importance total value based on the tabulation table 7001. May be automatically reproduced in the order of other values such as the number of content reproduction devices that are viewing the content, the total value, average value, and maximum value of evaluation points input by the viewer. In addition, the next content may be automatically played back after the end of the playback of one content, not every fixed time.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of input information from the information input unit 2002 when a viewer views content provided from the Internet and inputs an evaluation point for the content. The input information 10001 represents the content viewed by the viewer using the content playback apparatus 1001 as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) with “http://www.yyy-dorama.com/dorama.mpg”. This indicates that the viewer's evaluation point for this content is “5”. The evaluation point represents, for example, a numerical value of 5 levels indicating whether or not the viewer evaluates that the content is interesting. “5” indicates that the viewer evaluates the content as most interesting. Represents that.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of collected information collected by the communication control unit 2003 from other content playback terminals when a viewer views content provided from the Internet and inputs an evaluation point for the content. FIG. In the collected information 11001, the column 11002 is input by the user name of the content playback device, the column 11003 is the URL of the content being viewed on the content playback device, and the column 11004 is input by the viewer using the content playback device. The evaluation points for the program being viewed are shown.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a tabulation table when the tabulation unit 2006 is configured to tabulate the average value of evaluation points of the collection information 11001.
A row 12002 of the tabulation table 12001 indicates that the average evaluation point value of the content whose URL is represented by “http://www.yyy-dorama.com/dorama.mpg” is “4”. According to the summary table 11001, the user whose URL is “http://www.yyy-dorama.com/dorama.mpg” is viewed with the user name “A child”, “E” Three content playback apparatuses corresponding to “Beauty” and “F child”.

  Since the evaluation points input by the respective viewers are “5”, “4”, and “3”, respectively, the average evaluation point value is “4” in the row 12002. For example, the information display unit 2007 is configured to display the total value of the evaluation points of each content based on the information of the summary table 12001, so that other viewers such as friends and family can view the viewer. It becomes possible to select content with reference to how much the content is evaluated as interesting.

Further, for example, the content playback unit 2008 is configured to play back the content in descending order of the average evaluation point value in the tabulation table 12001, so that the viewer does not need to perform an operation for selecting the content. The content can be automatically played back and viewed in the order that other viewers such as family members rate it as more interesting.
In the present embodiment, the communication control unit 2003 authenticates each content reproduction device using the personal identification number for each content reproduction device stored in the group management unit 2001 in advance. You may comprise so that it may authenticate using another authentication information and methods, such as a key certificate.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a content reproduction apparatus 13000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This content reproduction apparatus 13001 includes a group management unit 13001, an information input unit 13002, a communication control unit 13003, a communication unit 13004, an information holding unit 13005, a totaling unit 13006, a recording reservation setting unit 13007, and a content recording unit. Part 13008.

The group management unit 13001 holds information such as addresses of one or more different content playback devices that form a group with the content playback device 13000. The information input unit 13002 receives input information from a viewer who is using the content playback device 13000 and stores it in the content holding unit 13005.
The communication control unit 13003 reads the address information of one or more different content playback devices from the group management unit 13001, and controls the communication unit 13004 to give the one or more different content playback devices to the viewer. Input information from the viewer of the content reproduction device 13000 is read out from the information holding unit 13005 and returned in response to an information inquiry from a different content reproduction device. .

The communication unit 13004 communicates with other content reproduction devices according to the control of the communication control unit 13003. The information holding unit 13005 receives input information from the viewer of the content playback device 13000 received by the information input unit 13002 and from viewers of one or more different content playback devices received by the communication control unit 13003. Store input information.
The totaling unit 13006 totals the information stored in the information holding unit 13005. The recording reservation setting unit 13007 sets the recording reservation based on the information stored in the information holding unit 13005 and the information aggregated by the aggregation unit 13006. The content recording unit 13008 records the program according to the recording reservation information set by the recording reservation setting unit 13007.

In the following, each component of the content reproduction apparatus 13000 will be described in detail with a focus on differences from the first embodiment.
(Group Management Department)
The group management unit 13001 is a component that holds information such as addresses of one or more different content playback devices that form a group with the content playback device 13000, and a storage device such as a memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or an IC card Can be used.

Since it is the same as the group management unit 2001 in the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted. Also in this embodiment, it is assumed that the group management unit 13001 holds the group management table 3001 shown in FIG. 3 as in the first embodiment.
(Information input part)
The information input unit 13002 is a component that receives input information from a viewer who uses the content reproduction device 13000 and stores it in the content holding unit 13005. For example, the information input unit 13002 includes a remote control input device and its reception unit. Can do.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of input information input from the information input unit 13002. The input information 14001 represents information input by the viewer using the content playback apparatus 13000 to make a recording reservation setting for the program.
Lines 1402 and 14003 indicate that the program that the viewer using the content playback device 13000 is about to make a recording reservation has a channel number “2”, a start date and time of 10:00 on October 1, and an end date and time. This shows that the program is October 1 at 12:00, and the program has a channel number “4”, a start date and time of October 1 at 15:00, and an end date and time of October 1 at 16:00.

(Communication control unit)
The communication control unit 13003 reads the address information of one or more different content playback devices from the group management unit 13001 and controls the communication unit 13004 to send the one or more different content playback devices from the viewer. This is a component that inquires about input information and stores it in the information holding unit 13005.

Further, the communication control unit 13003 reads and returns input information from the viewer of the content reproduction device 13000 from the information holding unit 13005 in response to an information inquiry from a different content reproduction device. Since the operation of the communication control unit is the same as that of the communication control unit 2003 described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5 in the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of collected information collected from the seven content reproduction devices shown in the group management table 3001 held by the group management unit 13001 by the operation of the communication control unit 13003 described above.

The column 15002 of the collected information 15001 indicates the user name of the content playback device, the column 15003 indicates the importance level, and the columns 15004, 15005, and 15006 indicate the programs reserved for recording by the viewer using the content playback device. Respectively represent the channel number, start date and time, and end date and time.
For example, in the line 15007, the information collected from the content reproduction apparatus having the user name “A child” and the importance level “5” indicates that the channel number of the program reserved for recording is “4” and the start date is “ “October 1 9:00” and the end date and time “October 1 10:00”. The same applies to the other rows.

(Communication Department)
The communication unit 13004 is a component that communicates with other content playback devices under the control of the communication control unit 13003, and can be configured using a general communication device for connecting to the Internet, such as a modem or a LAN adapter. it can.
(Information holding part)
The information holding unit 13005 is a component that stores the input information 14001 received from the viewer of the content reproduction device 13000 received by the information input unit 13002 and the collected information 15001 collected by the communication control unit 13003. It can be configured using a storage device such as an optical disk or an IC card.

(Aggregation Department)
The totaling unit 13006 reads the collected information 15001 stored in the information holding unit 13005, and totals, for each program, the total value of the importance values assigned to the content playback devices for which recording is reserved.
A program is identified by a set of a channel number, a start date and time, and an end date and time. The totaling unit first extracts from the collected information 15001 content playback devices that have reserved recording of the same program, that is, content playback devices having the same channel number, start date / time, and end date / time, and the total value of the respective importance levels. Calculate by calculating.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a totaling table that is totalized by the totaling unit 13006 based on the collection information 15001 by the method described above. A column 16002, a column 16003, and a column 16004 indicate a channel number indicating a program, a start date and time, and an end date and time, respectively, and a column 16005 indicates a total value of importance.
For example, the line 15006 corresponds to a content playback apparatus that is viewing a program identified by a channel number “4”, a start date and time “October 1 at 9:00”, and an end date and time “October 1 at 10:00”. It is shown that the total value of importance is “12”.

  According to the collected information 15001, the content playback device viewing the program includes a content playback device corresponding to the user name “A child”, and a content playback device corresponding to the user name “E beauty”. The user names are three content playback apparatuses corresponding to “F child”, and the assigned importance levels are “5”, “3”, and “4”, respectively. The total value is “12”. The same applies to the other rows.

(Recording reservation setting section)
The recording reservation setting unit 13007 includes information stored in the information holding unit 13005,
Based on the information aggregated by the aggregation unit 13006, it is a component that sets recording reservations for only programs that do not overlap with each other in descending order of priority.
The recording reservation setting unit 13007 treats the recording reservation information input by the viewer using the content playback device 13000 as having the highest priority. Also, the recording reservation information collected from other content playback devices is treated as having the highest priority in the order of programs having the highest importance value based on the aggregation table 16001 compiled by the aggregation unit 13006.

  The recording reservation setting unit 13007 first refers to the input information 14001 and sets the recording reservation input by the viewer who uses the content playback apparatus 13000. Next, referring to the summary table 16001, the program with the highest importance value is read one by one in order, and if the time does not overlap with the program that has already been set for reservation, the recording reservation is set, and if it overlaps, the recording reservation is set Repeat the action of not.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the recording reservation table set based on the input information 14001 and the summary table 16001 by the method described above. In the recording reservation table 17001, a column 17002, a column 17003, and a column 17004 indicate a channel number, a start date / time, and an end date / time indicating programs set for recording reservation, respectively.
Lines 17005 and 17006 indicate that the program corresponding to the recording reservation information input by the viewer using the content playback apparatus 13000 indicated in the input information 14001 is reserved.

In the row 17007, the program having the highest importance total value shown in the row 16006 in the tabulation table 16001 is not overlapped with the programs shown in the rows 17005 and 17006 having higher priority. Indicates that recording is reserved.
In the tabulation table 16001, the program shown in the row 16007 has a time overlap with the higher priority program shown in the row 17005 in the recording reservation table 17001, and therefore no recording reservation is set.

Line 17008 is reserved for recording because the program shown in line 16008 in the summary table 16001 does not overlap with the programs shown in lines 17005, 17006, and 17007 having higher priority. It shows that.
In the tabulation table 16001, the programs shown in the rows 16009 and 16010 are
In each of the recording reservation tables 17001, the recording reservation is not set because the time overlaps with the higher priority program indicated by the row 17007.

  By configuring the content playback apparatus as described above, the content playback apparatus 13000 automatically schedules recording of programs reserved for recording by viewers who use one or more different content playback apparatuses registered in advance as a group. be able to. Thus, the viewer using the content playback device 13000 can register the content playback devices such as friends and family as a group in advance, so that the friend and family do not have to set the recording reservation by themselves. Can automatically record programs that are scheduled to be recorded for later viewing.

In addition, even when programs reserved for recording by a plurality of viewers overlap each other and all of them cannot be reserved for recording, it is possible to automatically make a reservation for recording a program with high priority.
In addition, since each of the different content playback devices constituting the group is configured in the same manner as the content playback device 13000, the viewer using the content playback device also uses the content playback device 13000. It is possible to automatically record programs that are reserved for recording by other viewers or other viewers. This makes it possible for friends to view the same program, and expects to obtain effects such as smooth communication using this as a common experience.

  Further, when the content reproduction apparatus 13000 responds to an inquiry from another content reproduction apparatus, it can authenticate whether or not the other party content reproduction apparatus is a content reproduction apparatus registered as a group. As a result, it is possible to prevent an unknown viewer from knowing a program that the user has reserved for recording, thereby protecting the privacy of the viewer.

In this embodiment, the case where the content being viewed on the content playback device 13001 is a TV program specified by the channel number, the start date and time, and the end date and time has been described as an example. It may be content stored in a hard disk or the like, or content provided from the Internet or the like.
Also, in this embodiment, the case where the content recording unit can record only one program at a time is taken as an example, and when there is a recording reservation for a program with overlapping time, only the one with higher priority is left. When the content recording unit can record a plurality of programs at the same time, it may be configured to make a recording reservation for a program having overlapping time.

In the present embodiment, the communication control unit 13003 authenticates each content reproduction device using the personal identification number for each content reproduction device stored in the group management unit 13001 in advance. You may comprise so that it may authenticate using another authentication information and methods, such as a key certificate.
(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The content playback apparatus according to the present embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the content playback apparatus according to the first embodiment, but the configuration related to the exchange of input information with other content playback apparatuses. Is different. Hereinafter, the content reproduction apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described while paying attention to the difference.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a connection form of the content reproduction apparatus according to the present embodiment. Unlike in the first embodiment, in the present embodiment, the content playback devices communicate with each other via the server device. Note that the number of content reproduction apparatuses and server apparatuses is not limited to the illustrated number, and any number may be connected.
FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of content reproduction apparatus 19000 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, the content playback apparatus 19000 includes a group management unit 19001, an information input unit 19002, a communication control unit 19003, a communication unit 19004, an information holding unit 19005, a totaling unit 19006, an information display unit 19007, and a content playback unit. 19008 is provided.

  The functions provided in the content reproduction apparatus 19000 are generally the same as the corresponding functions in the first embodiment, but the functions related to communication are slightly different. That is, the communication control unit 19003 according to the first embodiment individually inquires input information to other content reproduction devices, but the communication control unit 19003 according to the present embodiment issues an inquiry to the server device. To obtain input information of another content reproduction apparatus.

In addition, the communication control unit 2003 of the first embodiment returns input information in response to an inquiry from another content playback device, but the communication control unit 19003 according to the present embodiment uses the information input unit 19002. When the input information is received, the server device is immediately notified of the input information.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of input information transmission / reception processing executed by the content reproduction apparatus 19000. As shown in FIG. 20, the content reproduction apparatus 19000 checks whether or not input information has been received by the information input unit 19002 (S20001).

If it is determined that the input information has been received as a result of the check (S20002: Y), the address of the server device to which the input information is to be notified is acquired (S20009). Then, a notification message for notifying the input information is created (S20010), and the notification message is transmitted to the server device indicated by the address (S20011).
If it is determined that the input information has not been accepted as a result of the check (S20002: N), the address of the server device that should request the input information of another content playback device is acquired (S20003). Then, the content reproduction device 19000 creates an inquiry message for inquiring input information of another content reproduction device (S20004).

Prior to transmitting the inquiry message to the server device, the content reproduction device 19000 transmits a personal identification number to the server device (S20005). Subsequently, the content reproduction apparatus 19000 transmits an inquiry message to the server apparatus (S20006).
If the password is correct, a response message is returned from the server device, and the content reproduction device 19000 receives the response message (S20007). The content reproduction device 19000 stores the received response message in the information holding unit 19005 (S20008). After completing the process of S20008 or the process of S20011, the content reproduction apparatus 19000 repeats the above-described process such as executing the process of S20001 again.

Next, the server apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of server apparatus 21000 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 21, the server apparatus 21000 includes a group management unit 21001, a communication control unit 21002, an information holding unit 21003, and a communication unit 21004.
The group management unit 21001 holds information such as an address of a content reproduction device that transmits / receives input information via the server device 21000. The communication control unit 21002 controls the communication unit 21004, receives the input information transmitted from the content reproduction device, and stores it in the information holding unit 21003.

When the communication control unit 21002 receives an inquiry from the content reproduction device, the communication control unit 21002 reads input information received from a content reproduction device other than the content reproduction device that has made the inquiry from the information holding unit 21003, and reproduces the content that has been inquired. Reply to the device.
The information holding unit 21003 holds input information received from the content reproduction apparatus by the communication control unit 21002 controlling the communication unit 21004. In addition, the communication unit 21004 communicates with each content reproduction device according to the control of the communication control unit 21002.

As described above, the server apparatus 21000 holds the input information notified from each content reproduction apparatus as described above, and returns the input information held in response to the inquiry from each content reproduction apparatus. In this case, it is assumed that the server apparatus 21000 does not return the input information of the content reproduction apparatus that has issued the inquiry.
In addition, in the update of the input information held in the first embodiment, the content reproduction apparatus 1001 receives input information from another content reproduction apparatus and updates the input information held in the information holding unit 2005. It depends on the same method.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a flow of input information transmission / reception processing executed by server apparatus 21000 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 22, the server apparatus 21000 first checks whether input information has been received from any content reproduction apparatus (S22001).
If it is determined as a result of this check that input information has been received from any of the content playback devices (S22002: Y), the server device 21000 stores the input information received from the content playback device in the information holding unit 21003. (S22003).

After the processing of S21004, or when it is determined that input information has not been received from any content playback device (S22002: N), the server device 21000 receives an inquiry of input information from any content playback device. Is checked (S22004).
If it is determined as a result of this check that an inquiry for input information has been received from any of the content playback devices (S22005: Y), the server device 21000 receives the password from the content playback device (S22006).

Then, the set of the address of the content reproduction apparatus and the received personal identification number is collated with the value of the group management table held by the group management unit 21001 (S22007). In this case, the group management table may have the same configuration as the group management table 3001 in the first embodiment.
As a result of the above check, when it is determined that the passwords match (S22008: Y), the server apparatus 21000 creates a response message for returning the input information of the other content reproduction apparatus to the content reproduction apparatus. (S22009), the response message is transmitted to the content reproduction apparatus (S22010). Thereafter, the server apparatus 21000 repeats the above processing.

Even with such a configuration, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, according to the present embodiment, when acquiring input information of other content playback devices, not all content playback devices make an inquiry to every content playback device other than itself, The amount of communication required for acquiring information can be reduced.
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the load on the network and shorten the processing time required to acquire input information of another content playback device.

Further, according to the present embodiment, group management can be performed centrally by the server device 21000. For example, when the importance assigned to the user of each content playback device is changed, group management can be performed. Such parameters can be easily updated.
The content playback device 19000 according to the present embodiment notifies the server device 21000 of the input information every time the input information is received by the information input unit 19002. Instead, each content playback device May periodically notify the server apparatus 21000 of input information. In this way, it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of communication particularly when the information input unit 19002 frequently receives input information.

  Further, the content reproduction device 19000 may notify the server device of the input information after a predetermined time since the input information was last received by the information input unit 19002. Alternatively, even if the input information is regularly notified, if no new input information is received by the information input unit 19002 after the previous input information is notified, nothing is done to the server device. You may not notify.

Further, instead of causing the content reproduction apparatus 19000 to spontaneously notify the server apparatus of the input information, the server apparatus may periodically inquire the input information to the content reproduction apparatus 19000. In this way, the communication amount can be reduced. Can be planned.
(Embodiment 4)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The content playback apparatus according to the present embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the content playback apparatus according to the second embodiment, but is configured to exchange input information with other content playback apparatuses. Is similar to the content reproduction apparatus according to the third embodiment. Hereinafter, the content reproduction apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described while paying attention to the difference.

  FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of content reproduction apparatus 23000 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 23, the content playback device 23000 is similar to the content playback device 13000 in that it includes a group management unit 23001, an information input unit 23002, a communication control unit 23003, a communication unit 23004, an information holding unit 23005, a totaling unit 23006, An information display unit 23007 and a content recording unit 23008 are provided.

The functions provided in the content playback apparatus 23000 are generally the same as the corresponding functions of the content playback apparatus 13000, but the functions related to communication are similar to those of the content playback apparatus 19000. That is, the communication control unit 230003 according to the present embodiment obtains input information of another content reproduction device by issuing an inquiry to the server device.
That is, when the communication control unit 19003 receives input information at the information input unit 19002, the communication unit 23004 immediately notifies the server device of the input information. In addition, the communication control unit 23003 obtains input information of another content reproduction device by inquiring the server device through the communication unit 23004.

In this case, the content reproduction device 23000 transmits the personal identification number to the server device before inquiring input information of another content reproduction device. In this way, it is possible to prevent an unspecified person from obtaining the input information of each content reproduction device, so that the privacy of the user of each content reproduction device can be protected.
Even with the configuration as described above, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained.

(Modification)
As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the following modifications may be implemented.
(1) In the above embodiment, the degree to which the user of the user's own device places importance on the input information of the user for each content reproduction device is represented by a numerical value, but this numerical value may be used as follows. .

In other words, the input information of the user of the content reproduction apparatus having a low numerical value may be ignored when the degree of importance of the user of the own device is counted.
In addition, when an input information inquiry is received from a content reproduction apparatus having a low numerical value, the content of the input information to be returned may be limited. In this case, when the input information is transmitted / received via the server device as in the third embodiment or the fourth embodiment, the server device accepts the input information inquiry, so that the input to be returned What is necessary is just to restrict | limit the content of information in a server apparatus.

(2) In the above embodiment, a case has been described as an example where comments relating to a program viewed by a user of the content reproduction device are exclusively used as input information of the content reproduction device, but the present invention is not limited to this. Needless to say, the following modification may be implemented instead of or in combination with this.
In other words, the history of programs that the user of the content reproduction device has viewed in the past may be used as the input information of the content reproduction device. In this way, when a user of another content reproduction apparatus is interested in a program included in the history, it can be viewed or recorded when the program is rebroadcast. Accordingly, it is possible to share a topic related to the program among the users.

(3) In the first embodiment, when the program is currently being broadcast and is automatically reproduced in order from the program having the largest total evaluation point value given by the user of the other content reproduction apparatus. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this, and the following may be used instead.
In other words, programs that are reserved for recording by users of other content playback apparatuses, and may be automatically played back in order from the program having the largest total of evaluation points given by those users.

In this way, since the user of the content reproduction apparatus belonging to the same group can quickly watch the program that the user will see by recording, the topic related to the program can be preempted in the same group.
In addition, a program may be automatically reproduced with reference to a viewing situation or a recording reservation situation of a specific user among users of content reproduction apparatuses belonging to the same group. In this case, the content reproduction apparatus may automatically reproduce the program that the specific user is viewing, or the total value of the evaluation points among the programs that are not viewed by the specific user. The program with the largest may be automatically played back.

In this way, since the program viewed by the specific user can be viewed simultaneously, the topic about the program can be shared with the specific user. In addition, since a program that the specific user has not viewed can be viewed, it is possible to have more abundant topics with the user.
(4) In the second embodiment, when a recording reservation is made for a program reserved for recording by a user of another content playback device, the recording is reserved in the descending order of the total value of evaluation points given by the user of the other content playback device. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this, and the following may be used instead.

  In other words, a program that is currently being viewed by a user of another content playback apparatus and that has the largest total of evaluation points given by the user may be reserved for recording. In this way, even if the program cannot be viewed at present for some reason, it can be recorded and viewed at a later date, so it is a topic of users of content playback devices belonging to the same group. Convenient without delay.

  In addition, recording reservations may be made in descending order of the total value of evaluation points given by the user of each content playback device, regardless of whether the user is currently viewing or recording reservations. In this way, the user of the content reproduction apparatus belonging to the same group is highly evaluated, and accordingly, a program that is likely to be viewed by the user can be viewed more reliably.

  In addition, a program may be reserved for recording by referring to a viewing status or a recording reservation status of a specific user among users of content reproduction apparatuses belonging to the same group, or an evaluation point. In this case, it is assumed that a topic is shared with the specific user by making a recording reservation for a program that the specific user is watching, a program that is reserved for recording, or a program that is highly evaluated. Also good.

In addition, by making a recording reservation for a program that is not viewed by the specific user, a program that is not reserved for recording, or a program that is not evaluated so much, a wider range of programs can be viewed within the same group. Also good.
(5) In the above embodiment, a program is identified by a set of a channel number, a start date and time, and an end date and time, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this. Identification may be made by means other than the combination of the channel number, start date / time, and end date / time, such as a G code.

(6) In the above embodiment, the case where only one content playback apparatus is used by one user has been described as an example. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this, and instead of this. It may be as follows.
That is, a single content playback device may be shared by a plurality of users. In this case, the input information may or may not distinguish each of the plurality of users.

  In order to distinguish each of a plurality of users who share one content playback device, for example, when viewing a program, the name or ID of the user who views the program may be input, or contactless An IC card may be used to detect a user around the content reproduction apparatus. In addition, when accepting a recording reservation, the name and ID of a user who makes a recording reservation may be input.

The input information input to the content reproduction apparatus in this way may be transmitted / received to / from other content reproduction apparatuses as described in the above embodiment.
In this way, even when a plurality of users share a single content playback device, input information for each user can be obtained, so that more detailed group management is possible. For example, when one content playback apparatus is shared by a family, it is possible to transmit and receive input information belonging to different groups for each member constituting the family.

(7) Although not particularly mentioned in the above embodiment, the program may be content transmitted via a communication network such as wireless broadcasting, cable broadcasting, or the Internet. Thus, it is effective when the content transmitting side determines the transmission time and transmits the content to a plurality of viewers.
(8) In the above embodiment, the time when the content playback device acquires the input information of another content playback device is not particularly mentioned, but this time may be as follows, for example.

  That is, when the user of the content reproduction apparatus instructs to display the viewing status display screen 8001 described in FIG. 8 or the viewing status display screen 9001 described in FIG. Information may be acquired. In this way, the latest viewing situation can be referred to when the user selects content to view.

  In addition, the content reproduction apparatus according to the present invention may periodically acquire input information of another content reproduction apparatus. In this way, when the content reproduction apparatus automatically reproduces or automatically reserves a program based on the input information of another content reproduction apparatus, it is possible to refer to the latest viewing situation and reservation situation. More appropriate content can be automatically played back or automatically reserved.

  (9) In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied exclusively to the content reproduction apparatus has been described. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this, and the content reproduction apparatus is executed in the above embodiment. A content reproduction method, a content reproduction program for causing a computer to execute the content reproduction method, or a recording medium on which the content reproduction program is recorded are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The content playback device according to the present invention enables each viewer to easily exchange information on interesting programs between terminals owned by a plurality of viewers composed of friends, acquaintances, and the like. It is useful as a content playback apparatus that supports the selection of programs.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the connection form of the content reproduction apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the structure of the content reproduction apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the group management table which the group management part in embodiment of this invention hold | maintains. It is a figure which shows an example of the input information input from the information input part in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart showing an example of operation | movement of the communication control part in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the collection information collected by the communication control part in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the totalization table | surface produced | generated by the totalization part in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the viewing-and-listening condition display screen displayed by the information display part in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the viewing-and-listening condition display screen displayed by the information display part in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the input information input from the information input part in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the collection information collected by the communication control part in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the totalization table | surface produced | generated by the totalization part in embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the structure of the content reproduction apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the input information input from the information input part in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the collection information collected by the communication control part in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the totalization table | surface produced | generated by the totalization part in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the video recording reservation table set by the video recording reservation setting part in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the connection form of the content reproduction apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the content reproduction apparatus 19000 which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the transmission / reception process of the input information which the content reproduction apparatus 19000 which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the server apparatus 21000 which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the transmission / reception process of the input information which the server apparatus 21000 which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the content reproduction apparatus 23000 which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1001, 13000, 19000, 23000 ... content playback devices 2001, 13002, 19002, 23002 ... information input units 2002, 13005, 19005, 21003, 23005 ... information holding units 2003, 13001, 19001, 2101, 23001, group management unit 2004, 13003, 19003, 21002, 23003 ... Communication control unit 2005, 13004, 19004, 21004, 23004 ... Communication unit 2006, 13006, 19006, 23006 ... Aggregation unit 2007, 19007 ....................................... Display unit 2008, 19008 ………………………………… Content playback unit 13007, 23007 ……………………………… Recording reservation setting unit 13008, 23008 ………………… ………… Content recording unit 21000 ...................................................... server device

Claims (5)

Identifier holding means for holding an identifier of another content reproduction device;
Content information acquisition means for acquiring content information received from the user by the content reproduction apparatus corresponding to the identifier held by the identifier holding means;
Reservation recording means for reserving and recording content using the content information received by the content information acquisition means ;
Importance holding means for holding numerically the importance corresponding to each identifier held by the identifier holding means;
A content reproduction device that has received the same content information by the content information acquisition unit , and includes an importance level totaling unit that totals the importance values related to the corresponding identifiers ,
The content playback apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the timer recording unit performs timer recording of content related to content information having a high value totaled by the importance level aggregation unit . Overlap determination means for determining whether or not the recording times of a plurality of contents to be reserved for recording by the reservation recording means overlap ;
The reserved recording unit is configured to perform scheduled recording of content other than the content having the largest total value among the content having overlapping recording times when the overlapping determination unit determines that the recording time overlaps. content playback apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that and a programmed recording inhibiting means for inhibiting relative. A content playback method executed by a content playback device,
An identifier holding step for holding an identifier of another content playback device;
A content information acquisition step in which the content reproduction device corresponding to the identifier held in the identifier holding step acquires content information received from the user;
Reservation recording step of reserving and recording content using the content information received in the content information acquisition step;
An importance level holding step for holding a numerical value corresponding to each identifier held in the identifier holding step ;
The content reproducing apparatus receiving the same content information in the content information obtaining step includes corresponding importance level aggregation summing the values of the importance of the identifier, the,
The content playback method according to claim 1, wherein in the reserved recording step, the content related to the content information having a high value in the importance summation step is reserved . A recording medium recording a program to be executed by a computer of a content reproduction device,
An identifier holding step for holding an identifier of another content playback device;
A content information acquisition step in which the content reproduction device corresponding to the identifier held in the identifier holding step acquires content information received from the user;
Reservation recording step of reserving and recording content using the content information received in the content information acquisition step;
An importance level holding step for holding a numerical value corresponding to each identifier held in the identifier holding step ;
Wherein the content reproducing apparatus receiving the same content information by the content information acquisition step, the importance degree collection step of summing the values of the importance of the corresponding identifier, to the execution,
A computer-readable recording medium , wherein the reservation recording step records a program for reserved recording of content related to content information having a high value totaled in the importance level aggregation step. A content playback program to be executed by a computer of a content playback device,
An identifier holding step for holding an identifier of another content playback device;
A content information acquisition step in which the content reproduction device corresponding to the identifier held in the identifier holding step acquires content information received from the user;
Reservation recording step of reserving and recording content using the content information received in the content information acquisition step;
An importance level holding step for holding a numerical value corresponding to each identifier held in the identifier holding step ;
Wherein the content reproducing apparatus receiving the same content information by the content information acquisition step, is performed with importance degree collection step of summing the values of the importance of the corresponding identifier, to a computer,
The content reproduction program characterized in that the reservation recording step performs reservation recording of content related to content information having a high value totaled in the importance level aggregation step.

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