JP4912366B2 - Video playback device, server device, video playback method, service method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a moving image playback device, a server device, a moving image playback method, a service method, and a program for realizing these by a computer, which are suitable for smoothly switching a moving image provided by streaming.

  When viewing a television broadcast program on a television device, a button for shifting the channel number to “previous” or “next” is provided on the remote controller so that the user can switch the program. If the pressing operation of any button is repeated, programs are switched cyclically in the order of channel numbers. A viewing style in which a program is switched one after another using buttons such as “Previous” and “Next” on the remote controller and an interesting scene is displayed on the screen is also referred to as a “zapping viewing style”.

  On the other hand, for programs broadcast on television, the degree of attention is determined by an index called audience rating. The audience rating is measured by a dedicated device connected to a television set installed in the monitor household. The audience rating shows how many households are watching the program at a certain moment, or at a certain time. Indicators such as the average audience rating that show how many households watch the program on average are used.

  Here, the average audience rating is obtained as an average of the audience rating (instant audience rating) at 0 second per minute, and is considered to be proportional to the total viewing time of each household watching a certain program. .

On the other hand, techniques for obtaining an audience rating when streaming a program to a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone are disclosed in the following documents.
JP 2006-339860 A

  In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to obtain an accurate audience rating even in an environment where communication is likely to be disconnected, the user of the first access supplies the content after registering the user ID in the data table. Communication is about to start. In the content supply communication, every time request data is received from the mobile terminal, the next packet data is transmitted by streaming. At this time, every time request data is received from the mobile terminal, the time stamp and channel of the data table associated with the user ID are updated. When acquiring the audience rating, the time stamp associated with each user ID in the data table is compared with the current time, and the time from the current time to the time indicated by the time stamp is smaller than the threshold for each user ID. Items are selected as effective data, and the audience rating is calculated using the effective data.

  In streaming distribution, reproduction cannot be started until a certain amount of moving image information is buffered. Therefore, for a user who takes a viewing form such as zapping from one program to the next program or the previous program, a moving image is not played at the moment when the channel is switched, and there is always a waiting time in which the program cannot be viewed. turn into. Therefore, there is a need for a technique that minimizes the waiting time even when such a viewing mode is adopted.

  Furthermore, although the audience rating and the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 assume “broadcasting” in which viewers watch the same program at the same time, there is generally a large time difference in providing videos by streaming distribution. It is also necessary to obtain an index of attention in consideration of such a situation.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and is suitable for smooth switching of a moving image provided by streaming, a moving image reproducing device, a server device, a moving image reproducing method, a service method, and these using a computer. The purpose is to provide a program for realizing this.

  In order to achieve the above object, the following invention is disclosed in accordance with the principle of the present invention.

  A moving image playback apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a program storage unit, a provision request unit, a buffer unit, a playback unit, a reception unit, and a program update unit, and is configured as follows.

  That is, the program storage unit includes a main program to be reproduced in a predetermined main area in the screen and a next program to be reproduced in a predetermined next area in the screen among a plurality of programs having a predetermined order. , Remember.

  For example, in television broadcasting, channels are numbered. In the television apparatus, an operation button for changing the viewing target program from the current channel to the program of the next channel is prepared, and the next channel of the last channel number is the first channel. It is a numbered channel. Thus, in television broadcasting, a cyclic order is assigned to “currently broadcasted programs”.

  If the present invention is compared with television broadcasting, the program currently being viewed is referred to as “main program”, and the program broadcast on the channel next to the channel broadcasting “main program” is referred to as “next program”. Will be.

  On the other hand, the provision request unit requests the server device to provide streaming of the stored high-quality moving picture fragment to be reproduced in the future of the main program and the stored low-quality moving picture fragment to be reproduced in the future. .

  In the present invention, the main program is a program that is currently being watched and watched by the user, so that streaming playback with high image quality is performed. On the other hand, since the next program is a candidate program to be viewed next in the zapping viewing style, low-quality streaming reproduction is performed.

  Furthermore, the buffer unit buffers the high-quality moving image fragment of the main program and the low-quality moving image fragment of the next program that are streamed from the server device.

  Similar to the normal streaming reproduction, the moving image is sequentially provided from the server device after being divided into fragments. Therefore, the buffer unit temporarily stores the provided fragment in a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like and performs buffering to make streaming playback smooth.

Specifically, the following information is associated with the fragments stored in the buffer unit.
(1) The identification name of which program the fragment belongs to. For example, a URL (Universal Resource Locator) that provides streaming of the program, a program name in the server device, a program ID (Identifier), and the like correspond.
(2) Movie information to be reproduced. For example, it is specified in various moving image formats such as MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) format.
(3) Elapsed time from the beginning of the program to the start of playback of the fragment. If the reproduction of the moving image information of the fragment is started at the moment when the elapsed time has elapsed from the time when the reproduction was started, smooth streaming reproduction can be performed.
(4) Time required to reproduce the fragment. That is, the time length of the moving image information of the fragment.

On the other hand, the playback unit stores the main program in the buffer unit,
(A) When a high-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, the high-quality video fragment is played back in the main area,
(B) If the high-quality video fragment to be played back is not buffered and the low-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, the low-quality video fragment is played back in the main area. ,
For the next program,
(C) If a low-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, play the low-quality video fragment in the next area,
(D) If the low-quality video fragment to be played back is not buffered and the high-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, the high-quality video fragment is played back in the next area. ,
The high-quality moving image and the low-quality moving image fragment that have been reproduced or should be reproduced in the past are deleted from the buffer unit.

  The reproduction unit performs streaming reproduction of the main program in the main area and performs streaming reproduction of the next program in the next area. As described above, the fragment stored in the buffer unit is associated with the program identification name and the elapsed time to start playback. Therefore, if the main program stored in the storage unit is compared with the identifier of the fragment and the time when the reproduction is started is compared with the current time, any of the fragments is “the fragment of the main program to be reproduced” and “ "The next program fragment to be played" is found.

  As will be described later, two types of high-quality moving images and low-quality moving images may be buffered for a certain program in the buffer unit. Therefore, when two types of buffered main programs to be reproduced in the main area are buffered, the reproduction unit preferentially reproduces high-quality moving images. On the other hand, when two types of the next program to be reproduced in the next area are buffered, the low-quality moving image is preferentially reproduced.

  Furthermore, the reception unit receives an instruction input to be switched to the next program.

  This corresponds to a channel change button in the remote control of the television apparatus.

  On the other hand, the program update unit currently reproduces a high-quality video or low-quality video fragment of the main program in the main area, and currently reproduces a high-quality video or low-quality video fragment of the next program in the next area. If an instruction input to switch to the next program is received during this period, the next program is set as a new main program, and the next program after the next program in the predetermined order is set as a new next program. Thus, the program storage unit is updated.

  That is, in this embodiment, even if an attempt is made to change the next channel by operating the “channel change button”, the channel cannot be changed unless a moving image is reproduced in the next area.

  The fact that the video is being played in the next area means that the video fragment of the program of the next channel is often stored as a low-quality video in the buffer section. Therefore, even when the channel is changed next time, the buffered moving image can be immediately reproduced in the main area.

  In addition, even if the video of the program in the next area is not buffered, the video played back in the next area is a low-quality video, so the time required for providing streaming from the server device is shorter than that of the high-quality video. The waiting time until the “next program” can be selected is short.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the timing at which the reproduced video information can be switched is limited, and the next program is reproduced in the next area, so that the current timing can be switched. Therefore, even if the program is switched, the playback is performed smoothly, and the user can view comfortably.

  Moreover, the moving image reproducing apparatus of the present invention can be configured as follows.

  In the above invention, a function corresponding to the “next channel” is provided, but in the present invention, a function corresponding to the “previous channel” is further provided.

  Therefore, the program storage unit stores the previous program to be reproduced in a predetermined previous area in the screen, and the provision request unit provides the streaming provision of the low-quality moving image fragment to be reproduced in the future of the stored previous program. In response to the request from the apparatus, the buffer unit buffers the low-quality moving image fragment of the previous program stream-provided from the server apparatus.

  That is, the order of the programs is “..., Previous program, main program, next program,...” And is typically a cyclic order.

On the other hand, the playback unit stores the previous program in the buffer unit,
(E) If a low-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, play the low-quality video fragment in the previous area,
(F) When a fragment of a low-quality moving image to be reproduced is not buffered and a fragment of a high-quality moving image to be reproduced is buffered, the fragment of the high-quality moving image is reproduced in the previous area. .

  Since the main program is the program currently being watched / viewed, streaming playback of the previous program takes the same method as streaming playback of the next program.

  Further, the reception unit further receives an instruction input to be switched to the previous program.

  According to the remote control device of the television device, an operation system for zapping viewing such as “previous program” and “next program” is made possible.

  And while a high-quality video or low-quality video fragment of the main program is currently played back in the main area, and a high-quality video or low-quality video fragment of the previous program is currently played back in the previous area, When an instruction input to switch to the previous program is received, the program update unit sets the main program as a new next program, sets the previous program as a new main program, and precedes the previous program in the predetermined order. The program storage unit is updated so that this program becomes a new previous program.

  That is, in the present invention, the channel can be moved under the situation where the previous program is reproduced in the previous area and the next program is reproduced in the next area.

  According to the present invention, similar to the above-described invention, the timing at which the video information being reproduced can be switched is limited, and the present is the timing at which the program can be switched by being reproduced in the previous area or the next area. Therefore, even if the program is switched, playback is performed smoothly, and the user can view comfortably.

  In the video playback apparatus of the present invention, the main area has a larger area than the previous area and the next area, and the playback unit reduces the high-quality video fragment to the previous area or the next area. It can be configured to reproduce and reproduce the main area by enlarging the fragment of the low-quality moving image.

  As described above, high-quality moving images are mainly reproduced in the main area, and low-quality moving images are mainly reproduced in the previous area and the next area. Therefore, the areas of these regions are set in accordance with the image quality.

  According to the present invention, according to the size of the area, the user is notified of the area in which the program to be watched is reproduced, and the area of the area for reproducing the moving image is set according to the quality of the moving image, thereby In the above, it is possible to eliminate a sense of discomfort in image quality and provide a comfortable viewing environment.

  In the video playback device of the present invention, the program update unit inquires of the server device about a predetermined order of the plurality of programs, thereby obtaining a program before the previous program or a program next to the next program. Can be configured to determine.

  Typically, there is a list of programs in the server device, and the list is downloaded when the moving image playback device is turned on.

  According to the present invention, the management of the program order can be left to the server device, not the moving image playback device, and the program order can be appropriately changed according to the program provision status.

  A server device according to another aspect of the present invention provides streaming of a high-quality video or a low-quality video fragment to each of a plurality of video playback devices, and each of the plurality of video playback devices is the video playback device described above. Yes, it includes an attention level storage unit, an addition unit, an order setting unit, and an order response unit.

  Here, the attention level storage unit stores attention level parameters of the plurality of programs.

  This attention degree parameter is a parameter corresponding to “viewing rate” in television broadcasting.

  On the other hand, for each of the plurality of programs, the adding unit adds the time length of the high-quality moving image fragment of the program that has been streamed to the plurality of video playback devices to the attention level parameter of the program in the attention level storage unit To do.

  In the present invention, when providing the streaming of the main program, although an exception is immediately after the switching timing of the program, the high-quality video fragment is mainly performed, and when providing the previous program and the next program, Mainly low quality video fragments. Therefore, the time length itself required for reproducing moving image information of a high-quality moving image is used as a parameter.

  Further, the order setting unit sets the order of the plurality of programs according to the attention level parameter of the stored program.

  If the order of programs is set in descending order (the order starting from the program with the largest attention degree parameter) for the attention level parameter, the program order is considered to be the order in which “popular programs” are arranged at the top.

  Then, the order response unit responds to the inquiries from the plurality of video playback devices with the set program order.

  As described above, the order is responded when the moving image playback apparatus is turned on or when the program list is updated based on the user's instruction.

  According to the present invention, the video playback device can acquire the attention parameter corresponding to the average audience rating only by playing back the video without having to bother to report the program being viewed to the server device. It becomes possible to set the order of popularity.

  The server device of the present invention further includes an attention level update unit, and the attention level update unit sets the attention level parameter stored in the attention level storage unit to 0 or more and less than 1 each time a predetermined time elapses. It can be configured to be multiplied by a predetermined constant.

  That is, when the time elapses from the actual playback time, the attention level parameter gradually decreases, and when playback is performed, the attention level parameter increases at that moment, and an attenuation average method is employed.

  In the present invention, by appropriately combining the concept of average audience rating and the concept of attenuation average, the order of “currently popular programs” can be acquired appropriately.

  A moving image reproducing method according to another aspect of the present invention is executed by a moving image reproducing apparatus including a program storage unit, a provision request unit, a buffer unit, a reproducing unit, a receiving unit, and a program updating unit, and is configured as follows.

  That is, the program storage unit stores a main program to be reproduced in a predetermined main area in the screen and a next program to be reproduced in a predetermined next area in the screen among a plurality of programs having a predetermined order. Are stored.

  On the other hand, in the provision request step, the provision request unit provides streaming of the stored high-quality video fragment to be reproduced in the future of the main program and the stored low-quality video fragment to be reproduced in the future. Request to server device.

  Further, in the buffer step, the buffer unit buffers the high-quality moving image fragment of the main program and the low-quality moving image fragment of the next program that are streamed from the server device.

In the reproduction process, the reproduction unit stores the main program in the buffer unit.
(A) When a high-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, the high-quality video fragment is played back in the main area,
(B) If the high-quality video fragment to be played back is not buffered and the low-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, the low-quality video fragment is played back in the main area. ,
For the next program,
(C) If a low-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, play the low-quality video fragment in the next area,
(D) If the low-quality video fragment to be played back is not buffered and the high-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, the high-quality video fragment is played back in the next area. ,
The high-quality moving image and the low-quality moving image fragment that have been reproduced or should be reproduced in the past are deleted from the buffer unit.

  On the other hand, in the reception process, the reception unit receives an instruction input to be switched to the next program.

  Further, in the program update step, the program update unit is currently playing a high-quality video or low-quality video fragment of the main program in the main area, and the next area contains the high-quality video or low-quality video of the next program. When an instruction input to switch to the next program is received while the fragment is currently being played, the next program is set as a new main program, and the program next to the next program in the predetermined order is newly set. The program storage unit is updated so that it becomes a next program.

  The service method according to another aspect of the present invention is executed by a server device that provides streaming of high-quality moving image or low-quality moving image fragments to each of a plurality of moving image playback devices, and the plurality of moving image playback devices Is a moving image reproducing apparatus that executes the above moving image reproducing method, and the server device includes an attention degree storage unit, an adding unit, an order setting unit, and an order response unit, and is configured as follows.

  That is, the attention level storage unit stores attention level parameters of the plurality of programs.

  On the other hand, in the addition step, for each of the plurality of programs, the addition unit calculates the time length of the high-quality video fragment of the program that has been streamed to the plurality of video playback devices, and the attention level of the program in the attention level storage unit. Add to the degree parameter.

  Further, in the order setting step, the order setting unit sets the order of the plurality of programs based on the stored program attention level parameter.

  In the order response step, the order response unit responds to the inquiries from the plurality of video playback devices with the set program order.

  A program according to another aspect of the present invention is configured to cause a computer to function as each unit of the above-described moving-image playback device or server device and to cause the computer to execute each step of the above-described moving-image playback method or service method.

  The program of the present invention can be recorded on a computer-readable information storage medium such as a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory.

  The above program is distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of an electronic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a DSP (Ditigal Signal Processor) that is reconfigured by the program and constitutes an electronic circuit. be able to. The information storage medium can be distributed and sold independently from the computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a moving image reproducing device, a server device, a moving image reproducing method, a service method, and a program for realizing these by a computer, which are suitable for appropriately measuring the degree of attention of moving images. it can.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a typical information processing apparatus in which the moving image reproducing apparatus according to the present embodiment is realized. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an interface 104, a controller 105, an external memory 106, an image processing unit 107, and a DVD-ROM. (Digital Versatile Disc ROM) drive 108, NIC (Network Interface Card) 109, audio processing unit 110, and microphone 111.

  When the DVD-ROM storing the program and data is loaded into the DVD-ROM drive 108 and the information processing apparatus 100 is turned on, the program is executed, and the moving image reproducing apparatus of the present embodiment is realized.

  The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 100 and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data. Further, the CPU 101 uses arithmetic operations such as addition / subtraction / multiplication / division, logical sum, logical product, etc. using an ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) (not shown) for a storage area called a register (not shown) that can be accessed at high speed. , Logic operations such as logical negation, bit operations such as bit sum, bit product, bit inversion, bit shift, and bit rotation can be performed. In addition, the CPU 101 itself is configured so that saturation operations such as addition / subtraction / multiplication / division for multimedia processing, vector operations such as trigonometric functions, etc. can be performed at a high speed, and those provided with a coprocessor. There is.

  The ROM 102 records an IPL (Initial Program Loader) that is executed immediately after the power is turned on, and when this is executed, the program recorded on the DVD-ROM is read out to the RAM 103 and execution by the CPU 101 is started. The The ROM 102 stores an operating system program and various data necessary for operation control of the entire information processing apparatus 100.

  The RAM 103 is for temporarily storing data and programs, and holds programs and data read from the DVD-ROM and other data necessary for game progress and chat communication. Further, the CPU 101 provides a variable area in the RAM 103 and performs an operation by directly operating the ALU on the value stored in the variable, or temporarily stores the value stored in the RAM 103 in the register. Perform operations such as performing operations on registers and writing back the operation results to memory.

  The controller 105 connected via the interface 104 receives various operation inputs performed by the user when the game is executed, for example, operation inputs for moving an area to be displayed on the screen in the virtual space.

  The external memory 106 detachably connected via the interface 104 stores data indicating game play status (past results, etc.), data indicating game progress, and log of chat communication in the case of a network match ( Data) is stored in a rewritable manner. The user can record these data in the external memory 106 as appropriate by inputting an instruction via the controller 105.

  A DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 108 stores a program for realizing the game and image data and audio data associated with the game. Under the control of the CPU 101, the DVD-ROM drive 108 performs a reading process on the DVD-ROM loaded therein, reads out necessary programs and data, and these are temporarily stored in the RAM 103 or the like.

  The image processing unit 107 processes the data read from the DVD-ROM by an image arithmetic processor (not shown) included in the CPU 101 or the image processing unit 107, and then processes the processed data on a frame memory ( (Not shown). The image information recorded in the frame memory is converted into a video signal at a predetermined synchronization timing and output to a monitor (not shown) connected to the image processing unit 107. Thereby, various image displays are possible.

  The image calculation processor can execute a two-dimensional image overlay calculation, a transmission calculation such as α blending, and various saturation calculations at high speed.

  Also, polygon information arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space and added with various texture information is rendered by the Z buffer method, and the polygon arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space from the predetermined viewpoint position is determined in the direction of the predetermined line of sight It is also possible to perform high-speed execution of operations for obtaining rendered images.

  Further, the CPU 101 and the image arithmetic processor operate in a coordinated manner, so that a character string can be drawn as a two-dimensional image in a frame memory or drawn on the surface of each polygon according to font information that defines the character shape. is there.

  The NIC 109 is used to connect the information processing apparatus 100 to a computer communication network (not shown) such as the Internet, and is based on the 10BASE-T / 100BASE-T standard used when configuring a LAN (Local Area Network). To connect to the Internet using an analog modem, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) modem, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) modem, cable television line A cable modem or the like and an interface (not shown) that mediates between these and the CPU 101 are configured.

  The audio processing unit 110 converts audio data read from the DVD-ROM into an analog audio signal and outputs the analog audio signal from a speaker (not shown) connected thereto. Further, under the control of the CPU 101, sound effects and music data to be generated during the progress of the game are generated, and sound corresponding to this is output from the speaker.

  When the audio data recorded on the DVD-ROM is MIDI data, the audio processing unit 110 refers to the sound source data included in the audio data and converts the MIDI data into PCM data. If the compressed audio data is in ADPCM format or Ogg Vorbis format, it is expanded and converted to PCM data. The PCM data can be output by performing D / A (Digital / Analog) conversion at a timing corresponding to the sampling frequency and outputting it to a speaker.

  Furthermore, a microphone 111 can be connected to the information processing apparatus 100 via the interface 104. In this case, the analog signal from the microphone 111 is subjected to A / D conversion at an appropriate sampling frequency so that processing such as mixing in the sound processing unit 110 can be performed as a PCM format digital signal.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 100 uses a large-capacity external storage device such as a hard disk so as to perform the same function as the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the external memory 106, the DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 108, and the like. You may comprise.

  The information processing apparatus 100 described above corresponds to a so-called “consumer video game apparatus”, but the present invention can be realized as long as it can output sound. Therefore, the present invention can be realized on various computers such as a mobile phone, a portable game device, a karaoke apparatus, and a general business computer.

  On the other hand, the server apparatus is typically realized on a general computer, but a predetermined information processing apparatus 100 in the group of information processing apparatuses 100 can be used as the server apparatus. Further, the information processing apparatus 100 and a general computer are not greatly different in configuration and function. Therefore, the server device of the present invention on the information processing device 100 can be realized. Therefore, in the following description, a general computer and the information processing apparatus 100 are handled in the same way.

  A general computer, like the information processing apparatus 100, includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, DVD-ROM drive, and NIC, and includes an image processing unit that has simpler functions than the information processing apparatus 100. In addition to having a hard disk as an external storage device, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, and the like can be used. Further, not the controller 105 but a keyboard or a mouse is used as an input device.

(Service system)
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the service system according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the service system 201 includes a video playback device 301 and a server device 801 that are communicably connected via the Internet 251.

  The moving image playback device 301 has a function of receiving streaming of moving image information in a general computer or game device, displaying it on a screen, and outputting it as a sound. The server device 801 is a general server device. The computer provides streaming of moving image information.

  In principle, in this embodiment, the server device is different in that the combination of the server device 801 and the video playback device 301 according to this embodiment differs from the video playback by a general multimedia player and the video playback by a digital television device. That is, a plurality of pieces of moving image information are provided in parallel from 801 to the moving image reproducing apparatus 301, one moving image information is provided with high image quality, and the rest is provided with low image quality.

  The user of the video playback device 301 becomes a viewer of video information, but the video information that the viewer is currently paying attention to (the television device corresponds to the channel currently being viewed) is high. Information provided with low image quality is provided in a predetermined order as video information adjacent to the video information of interest (in the case of a television device, the information of the channel currently being viewed). It corresponds to the previous channel and the next channel).

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the moving image playback device 301 will be described first, and then the configuration of the server device 801 will be described.

(Video playback device)
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the video playback device 301 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The video playback device 301 includes a program storage unit 302, a provision request unit 303, a buffer unit 304, a playback unit 305, a reception unit 306, and a program update unit 307.

  In the situation where a plurality of programs are viewed in the zapping viewing style, the moving image playback apparatus 301 improves the user's comfort by avoiding a situation where no moving image is displayed on the screen when switching channels.

  The zapping viewing style is a viewing style for searching for a program in which the user is interested by operating a key provided in the controller 105 and sequentially tracing a predetermined program.

  In order to follow a program in order, it is typical to determine the order of programs so that the “previous program” and “next program” of a program are determined. In general, the order is cyclic.

  Now, the playback unit 305 controls the image processing unit 107 to process video information, and plays back and displays the video on a screen such as a monitor. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an arrangement in which a moving image is reproduced and displayed on the screen. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  As shown in the figure, on the screen 401, the main area 402 is arranged in the center, the previous area 403 is arranged on the left, and the next area 404 is arranged on the right. The main region 402 has a larger area than the previous region 403 and the next region 404.

  Accordingly, the moving image information of the program that attracted the viewer's most interest is reproduced in the main area 402, and the audio information included in the moving image information is processed by the audio processing unit 110 and output from a speaker or the like.

  In other words, in the previous area 403 and the next area 404, only the moving image of the program next to the currently viewed program is displayed in a small size, thereby enabling the preview of the adjacent program in the zapping viewing style.

  Since the program that the user who is a viewer is interested in is a program that is reproduced and displayed in the main area 402, the audio information of the program that is reproduced and displayed in the previous area 403 and the next area 404 is obtained from the speaker. Is not output.

  Further, the main region 402, the previous region 403, and the next region 404 have different areas. Therefore, if the moving image information to be reproduced in the main area 402 is provided with high image quality and the moving image information to be reproduced in the previous area 403 and the next area 404 is provided with low image quality, the moving image reproducing apparatus 301 and the server are provided. The amount of communication with the device 801 can be suppressed, and a light operation is possible.

  In the example shown in this figure, for the sake of easy understanding, the program B that continues to display the letter B is reproduced and displayed in the main area 402, and the program A that continues to display the letter A is displayed in the previous area 403. The next area 404 shows the situation where the program C that continues to display the letter C is reproduced and displayed.

  In order to facilitate understanding, the smoothness in drawing characters is changed between when a high-quality moving image is reproduced and when a low-quality moving image is reproduced.

  In the order assigned to the program, the “previous program” of the program A is the program Z that continues to display the letter Z, and the “next program” of the program C is the program D that continues to display the letter D. It shall be.

That is, the program order is
..., program Z, program A, program B, program C, program D, ...
In the order.

  As described above, a viewer in the zapping viewing style switches programs using, for example, the controller 105 or an arrow key prepared on the keyboard. For example, when the user wants to watch the program displayed in the previous area 403 arranged on the left side of the screen better, the left (←) key is pressed. When it is desired to watch the program displayed in the next area 404 better, the right (→) key is pressed.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a screen immediately after the left (←) key is pressed under the situation shown in FIG. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the program A that has been reproduced in the previous area 403 immediately before the pressing operation is reproduced in the main area 402, and the sound of the program A is output from the speaker.

  Immediately after the program is switched, the video fragment buffered for program A is a low-quality video, so the video displayed in the main area 402 has low image quality.

  Furthermore, since the moving image fragment buffered for program B is a high-quality moving image, the moving image displayed in the next area 404 has high image quality.

  In addition, the program B reproduced in the main area 402 until then is reproduced in the next area 404, and the sound of the program B is not output from the speaker.

  In the previous area 403, the program Z, which is the “previous program” of the program A, should be displayed, but currently, a message is displayed indicating that buffering is being performed and playback cannot be started yet. . This is because in streaming reproduction, buffering is essential to smoothly reproduce a plurality of moving image information packets that arrive intermittently.

  On the other hand, since the programs A and B have been reproduced on the screen 401 until immediately before, the buffering has been completed, so that the moving image is reproduced in the area to be displayed immediately after the key pressing operation. It can be done.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the screen when waiting for a while as it is. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the program A is reproduced in the main area 402 and the program B is reproduced in the next area 404, and the image quality corresponds to the size of the area. In addition, since the buffering of the program Z to be reproduced in the previous area 403 is completed and the reproduction can be started, the program Z in which the character Z is continuously displayed is reproduced in the previous area 403. .

  In this embodiment, an operation for moving to “next program” or “previous program” is performed after moving images are reproduced in all of the previous area 403, main area 402, and next area 404. Make it valid. That is, in the situation shown in FIG. 5, even if the right key or the left key of the controller 105 is pressed, the programs displayed in the areas 402, 403, and 404 do not change. However, in the situation shown in FIG. When the right key or the left key is pressed, the programs displayed in the areas 402, 403, and 404 change immediately.

  In particular, a situation such as “waiting for the program to be displayed because the screen turns black” does not occur, and the program is immediately displayed in the main area 402 that is likely to attract the user's attention. You will be able to watch programs comfortably in style.

  In this embodiment, a mode in which the program can be moved in both “previous” and “next” directions is adopted. However, a mode in which the program can be moved only in one direction (for example, “next”) is adopted. Also good. In this case, the configuration related to the previous area 403 may be omitted.

  Hereinafter, a configuration for realizing such reproduction will be described. In the following, for easy understanding, a program to be reproduced and displayed in the main area 402 is “main program”, a program to be reproduced and displayed in the previous area 403 is “previous program”, and is reproduced and displayed in the next area 404. The program to be performed is called “next program”.

First, the program storage unit 302 includes the RAM 103 and the like, and stores the identification name of the program to be reproduced. In this embodiment,
(1) Order of a plurality of programs with a predetermined order (2) Identification name of main program to be reproduced in main area 402 (3) Identification name of previous program to be reproduced in previous area 403 (4) Next area The identification name of the next program to be reproduced is stored in 404. (5) Information of the elapsed time since the reproduction is started is stored.

  Among these, the list of the program order (1) is typically downloaded from the server device 801 immediately after turning on the power of the video playback device 301 or based on a user list update instruction.

  In addition, when the program is moved to “next” or “previous” without downloading the list, the identification name of the current main program is transmitted to the server device 801, and a new main program is transmitted from the server device 801. The identification names of the previous program and the next program may be acquired. In this aspect, the order of programs is managed by the server device 801, and the moving image playback device 301 does not need to download the entire program list.

  As a program identification name, a program number assigned to the program in the server device 801, a program ID, a URL when receiving streaming from the server device 801, or the like can be used.

  On the other hand, the buffer unit 304 is also configured by the RAM 103 and the like, and sequentially receives and buffers fragments of moving image information of programs streamed from the server device 801.

Specifically, the following information is associated with the fragments stored in the buffer unit 304.
(1) The identification name of which program the fragment belongs to. For example, a URL (Universal Resource Locator) that provides streaming of the program, a program name in the server device 801, a program ID (Identifier), and the like correspond to this. This is the same information as the identification name stored in the program storage unit 302.
(2) Movie information to be reproduced. For example, it is specified in various moving image formats such as MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) format.
(3) Elapsed time from the beginning of the program to the start of playback of the fragment. If the reproduction of the moving image information of the fragment is started at the moment when the elapsed time has elapsed from the time when the reproduction was started, smooth streaming reproduction can be performed.
(4) Time required to reproduce the fragment. That is, the time length of the moving image information of the fragment.

  Hereinafter, processing executed using these storage areas will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of control of the moving image playback process executed by the moving image playback device 301 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  When the power of the video playback device 301 is turned on, the CPU 101 of the video playback device 301 initializes the RAM 103 and the like (step S701), and the program storage unit 302 stores the identification names of the main program, the previous program, and the next program. Is stored, the elapsed time is cleared to 0, and the buffer unit 304 is secured. As described above, these identification names are typically obtained by inquiring the server device 801. At this time, a list of a plurality of programs may be downloaded from the server device 801 as described above.

Next, the CPU 101
(A) For the server device 801,
(1) A high-quality video of the main program currently stored in the program storage unit 302 after the elapsed time stored in the current program storage unit 302.
(2) A low-quality moving image after the elapsed time stored in the current program storage unit 302 of the previous program stored in the current program storage unit 302.
(3) A low-quality moving image after the elapsed time stored in the current program storage unit 302 of the next program stored in the current program storage unit 302.
Request streaming of video information for
(B) The obtained moving image information packets are sequentially received, and the fragment acquisition processing for buffering the moving image information fragments in the buffer unit 304 is started in parallel (step S702).

  That is, the CPU 101 functions as the provision request unit 303 in cooperation with the NIC 109 and the RAM 103. The processing for requesting, receiving, and buffering streaming is typically performed in parallel by activating a secondary thread.

  In addition, since it is not necessary to request streaming provision for a piece of video information that has already been buffered, the provision request unit 303 obtains information on the identification name, elapsed time, and time length of the fragment stored in the buffer unit 304. Refer to requesting a fragment that has not been buffered.

  Further, when the provision request unit 303 receives a fragment from the server device 801 and can buffer the fragment, the provision request unit 303 requests the streaming of the fragment following the fragment unless the information stored in the program storage unit 302 is updated. Is performed on the server device 801. This process is the same as in the case of normal streaming playback.

  In order to make a request in order of fragments, consecutive numbers may be assigned to the fragments in advance, or the sum of elapsed time and time length of the fragments is obtained, and the sum is the elapsed time. If a fragment is selected, the next fragment can be identified.

  On the other hand, when the information stored in the program storage unit 302 is updated, the identification name of the moving image for which streaming provision is requested, the elapsed time of the fragment, and the like change appropriately.

  Note that the quality of the high-quality moving image is set to a resolution suitable for reproduction and display in the main area 402, and the quality of the low-quality moving image is set to a resolution suitable for reproduction and display in the previous area 403 and the next area 404. Typically, a difference in image quality may be provided not only by adjusting the resolution but also by adjusting the compression rate of the moving image.

  In the main thread of the video playback device 301, the CPU 101 monitors the fragments stored in the buffer unit 304, and while the main program, the previous program, and the next program cannot be reproduced and displayed (step S704; No), step S704 is performed. Go back and wait. Note that another process may be executed during this standby.

When the main program, the previous program, and the next program can be reproduced and displayed (step S704; Yes), the CPU 101 controls the image processing unit 107,
(A) Among the fragments stored in the buffer unit 304, priority is given to the fragments of the main program stored in the program storage unit 302 after the elapsed time stored in the current program storage unit 302 in priority to the high-quality video. In turn to the main area 402,
(B) Among the fragments stored in the buffer unit 304, the low-quality moving image is given priority to the fragments after the elapsed time stored in the current program storage unit 302 of the previous program stored in the program storage unit 302. To play the previous area 403 in order,
(C) A piece of the next program stored in the program storage unit 302 after the elapsed time stored in the current program storage unit 302 is reproduced in order in the next area 404 with priority on the low-quality moving image,
(D) updating the elapsed time stored in the program storage unit 302;
(E) The moving image reproduction process for deleting the reproduced fragment and the fragment that should have been reproduced before the elapsed time stored in the program storage unit 302 from the buffer unit 304 is started in parallel (step S705). .

  Therefore, the CPU 101 functions as the playback unit 305 in cooperation with the image processing unit 107, the audio processing unit 110, and the RAM 103.

  The above-mentioned “priority” means that reproduction is performed by making a determination as follows.

That is, the playback unit 305 stores the main program in the buffer unit 304.
(A1) When a high-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, the high-quality video fragment is played back in the main area 402;
(A2) When the high-quality video fragment to be played back is not buffered and the low-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, the low-quality video fragment is played back in the main area 402. And
(A3) If neither high-quality moving images nor low-quality moving images to be reproduced are buffered, this is displayed in the main area 402 or other message display area.

In addition, for the next program,
(B1) If a low-quality moving image fragment to be reproduced is buffered, the low-quality moving image fragment is reproduced in the next area 404,
(B2) When the fragment of the low-quality moving image to be reproduced is not buffered and the fragment of the high-quality moving image to be reproduced is buffered, the fragment of the high-quality moving image is reproduced in the next area 404 And
(B3) If neither high-quality moving images nor low-quality moving images to be reproduced are buffered, this is displayed in the next area 404 or other message display area.

Further, for the previous program, in the buffer unit 304,
(C1) If a low-quality moving image fragment to be reproduced is buffered, the low-quality moving image fragment is reproduced in the previous area 403;
(C2) When the low-quality moving image fragment to be reproduced is not buffered and the high-quality moving image fragment to be reproduced is buffered, the high-quality moving image fragment is reproduced in the previous area 403. And
(C3) When neither high-quality moving images nor low-quality moving images to be reproduced are buffered, this is displayed in the previous area 403 or other message display areas.

  As described above, the main region 402 has a larger area than the previous region 403 and the next region 404. Accordingly, the playback unit 305 performs reduced playback when playing back a high-quality video fragment in the previous area 403 or the next area 404, and plays back a low-quality video fragment in the main area 402. Enlarged playback will be performed.

  Here, whether or not a fragment is “currently to be played back” is “the elapsed time stored in the program storage unit 302 is after the elapsed time associated with the fragment and is associated with the fragment. It is possible to determine whether or not it is before the time obtained by adding the time length associated with the fragment to the elapsed time.

  Note that the above processing by the playback unit 305 is executed in a sub thread different from the main thread, and when the main program, the previous program, and the next program in the program storage unit 302 are updated, the video that the playback unit 305 plays back Will also change in conjunction.

  In this way, the video fragment is acquired from the server device 801 by the secondary thread and buffered, and the video fragment is reproduced and displayed on the screen by the secondary thread. Once the buffering is completed, the reproduction is started. It corresponds to that. Therefore, unless the communication environment changes drastically, the main program, the previous program, and the next program continue to be played back.

  When viewing is started in this way, the CPU 101 checks whether or not a program is being reproduced in the main area 402, the previous area 403, and the next area 404 (step S706). Specifically, an inquiry is made to the image processing unit 107 (reproducing unit 305), or information on fragments stored in the program storage unit 302 and the buffer unit 304 is examined, and the main program, previous program, and next program are checked. This determination can be made by checking whether or not a fragment to be reproduced is stored in the buffer unit 304.

  As described above, immediately after the reproduction is started, the program is reproduced in the main area 402, the previous area 403, and the next area 404.

  If the program has not been played back (step S706; No), the process proceeds to step S710.

  On the other hand, if the program is reproduced in the main area 402, the previous area 403, and the next area 404 (step S706; Yes), the CPU 101 checks the state of the controller 105 functioning as the reception unit 306 (step S707).

If the left (←) key is pressed (step S707; left), the information in the program storage unit 302 is
(A) As a new next program, the previous main program,
(B) As a new main program, the previous previous program,
(C) As a new previous program, the program before the previous previous program,
That is, it is updated so that the previous program becomes the main program (step S708), and the process proceeds to step S710.

On the other hand, if the right (→) key is pressed (step S707; right), the information in the program storage unit 302 is updated.
(A) As a new next program, the next program of the previous next program,
(B) As the new main program, the previous next program,
(C) The previous main program as a new previous program,
That is, it is updated so that the next program becomes the main program (step S709), and the process proceeds to step S710.

  That is, the CPU 101 functions as the program update unit 307 by executing the processes of steps S708 and S709 in cooperation with the RAM 103.

  If any other operation is not performed or no operation is performed (step S707; other), the corresponding processing is performed (step S711), and the process proceeds to step S710.

  In step S710, other processes are executed in a coroutine manner, control is passed to the secondary thread (step S710), and the process returns to step S706.

  By performing moving image reproduction in this way, if the zapping destination program is reproduced in the previous area 403 or the next area 404, the user can immediately reproduce the program in the main area 402.

  Note that immediately after zapping, a low-quality moving image is reproduced in the main area 402, and after a certain amount of time has passed, the moving image changes to a high-quality moving image.

  When switching programs one after another by zapping, it is not always necessary to have high image quality, it is only necessary to know the outline of the program, so low-quality video is sufficient, and by playing back and displaying low-quality video, The waiting time for program switching can be shortened.

  Therefore, when compared with the program switching method of the conventional video playback device, the user's waiting time until the program is displayed on the screen is shortened, and a light viewing environment can be provided.

  In the above-described embodiment, if the moving image is not reproduced in both the previous area 403 and the next area 404, it is assumed that zapping cannot be performed before or next, but this restriction may be relaxed. In other words, the video can be zapped “previous” so that the video is played back in the main area 402 only when the video is played in the previous area 403, or the video is played back only in the next area 404. It is possible to zap “next” so as to reproduce in the main area 404.

(Server device)
As the server device 801 used in combination with the above-described video playback device 301, a video streaming server that provides a plurality of image quality for each video can be used as it is. An embodiment of the server device 801 to be constructed will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the server apparatus 801 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  A server device 801 according to another aspect of the present invention includes a moving image providing unit 802, an attention level storage unit 804, an addition unit 803, an order setting unit 805, an order response unit 806, and an attention level update unit 807.

  Here, the video providing unit 802 provides streaming of high-quality video or low-quality video fragments in response to a request sent from each of the plurality of video playback devices 301, and is similar to a normal video streaming server. It fulfills its function, and is realized under the control of the CPU 101, the RAM 103, the hard disk, and the NIC 109 working together.

  On the other hand, the attention level storage unit 804 includes a RAM 103, a hard disk, and the like, and stores attention level parameters of the plurality of programs. This attention level parameter is a parameter corresponding to “average audience rating” in television broadcasting.

  The attention level parameter is updated when the moving image providing unit 802 provides a high-quality moving image fragment.

  That is, when the moving image providing unit 802 provides a high-quality moving image fragment, the adding unit 803 adds the time length of the provided fragment to the attention level parameter of the program in the attention level storage unit 804. Therefore, the CPU 101 functions as the adding unit 803 in cooperation with the RAM 103, the hard disk, and the NIC 109.

  The high-quality moving image is a moving image displayed in the main area 402 and can be considered to correspond to a program that the viewer is viewing. Therefore, the time length required to reproduce the moving image information of the high quality moving image is stored as the attention level parameter.

  The attention level parameter is a parameter similar to the “average audience rating”, but in the program provided by streaming, the viewer does not watch the program at the same time, but generally watches with a time difference. Therefore, unlike Patent Document 1, the attention level parameter does not directly bring the so-called “average audience rating” into the streaming provision environment.

  In this way, based on the obtained attention level parameter, the order setting unit 805 sets the order of the plurality of programs based on the stored program attention level parameter. Generally, when the order of programs is set by sorting the attention level parameter in descending order (the order starting from the program with the largest attention level parameter), the order of the programs is the order in which “popular programs” are arranged at the top. It is thought that it becomes.

  Therefore, the CPU 101 functions as the order setting unit 805 in cooperation with the RAM 103 and the hard disk.

  The sort for setting the order of programs is typically performed periodically, for example, once a day or once an hour.

  The order response unit 806 responds to the inquiries from the plurality of video playback devices 301 with the set program order.

  As described above, the order is responded when the moving image playback apparatus 301 is powered on or when the program list is updated based on a user instruction. Therefore, the CPU 101 functions as the order response unit 806 in cooperation with the RAM 103 and the hard disk.

  Note that the attention level update unit 807 is an additional element, and determines the order of programs according to “recent popularity”. That is, the attention level update unit 807 multiplies the attention level parameter stored in the attention level storage unit 804 by a predetermined constant that is greater than or equal to 0 and less than 1 each time a predetermined time elapses.

  That is, when the time elapses from the actual playback time, the attention level parameter gradually decreases, and when playback is performed, the attention level parameter increases at that moment, and an attenuation average method is employed.

  The constant multiplication process is performed at any time, for example, once a week. Typically, the order setting unit 805 makes the interval longer than the sort interval for setting the order.

  Therefore, the CPU 101 functions as the attention level update unit 807 in cooperation with the RAM 103 and the hard disk.

  When the attention level update unit 807 is not used, the attention level parameter represents “cumulative popularity from the start of the service to the present”, but when the attention level update unit 807 is used, the attention level parameter Represents “recent popularity”.

  As described above, by appropriately determining the order of programs in the server device 801, it is possible to assist the user in viewing the programs.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a moving image reproducing apparatus, a server apparatus, a moving image reproducing method, a service method, and a method suitable for smooth switching of moving images provided by streaming, and for realizing them by a computer. Programs can be provided.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the outline | summary structure of the typical information processing apparatus with which the moving image reproducing apparatus and server apparatus which concern on this embodiment are implement | achieved. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the service system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the moving image reproducing device which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the arrangement | positioning by which a moving image is reproduced and displayed on a screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the screen immediately after pressing left key. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of a screen when it waits for a while after pressing the left key. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of control of the moving image reproduction process performed with the moving image reproduction device which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the server apparatus which concerns on this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100 Information processing apparatus 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Interface 105 Controller 106 External Memory 107 Image Processing Unit 108 DVD-ROM Drive 109 NIC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 110 Audio | voice processing part 111 Microphone 201 Service system 251 Internet 301 Movie reproduction apparatus 302 Program storage part 303 Provision request part 304 Buffer part 305 Reproduction part 306 Reception part 307 Program update part 401 Screen 402 Main area 403 Previous area 404 Next area 801 Server apparatus 802 Video providing unit 803 Adder 804 Attention level storage unit 805 Order setting unit 806 Order response unit 807 Attention level update unit

Claims (10)

Among a plurality of programs predetermined order has been determined, the program to be reproduced in a predetermined main area of the screen, and the program to be reproduced in a predetermined next region within the screen, a predetermined front region within the screen A program storage unit for storing a program to be reproduced
A fragment of a high-quality video to be reproduced in the future of a program stored to be reproduced in the main area, a fragment of a low-quality video to be reproduced in the future of a program stored to be reproduced in the next area ; A provision requesting unit for requesting a server to provide streaming of a low-quality moving image fragment to be reproduced in the future of a program stored to be reproduced in the previous area ;
A high-quality video fragment of a program stored to be played in the main area streamed from the server device, and a low-quality video fragment of a program stored to be played in the next area ; A buffer unit for buffering a high-quality video fragment of a program stored to be reproduced in the previous area ,
For the program stored to be played back in the main area ,
(A) When a high-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, the high-quality video fragment is played back in the main area,
(B) If the high-quality video fragment to be played back is not buffered and the low-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, the low-quality video fragment is played back in the main area. ,
For the program stored to be played in the next area, in the buffer section,
(C) If a low-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, play the low-quality video fragment in the next area,
(D) If the low-quality video fragment to be played back is not buffered and the high-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, the high-quality video fragment is played back in the next area. ,
For the program stored to be played in the previous area, in the buffer section,
(E) If a low-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, play the low-quality video fragment in the previous area,
(F) If the low-quality video fragment to be played back is not buffered and the high-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, the high-quality video fragment is played back in the previous area. ,
A playback unit that deletes a high-quality video and a low-quality video fragment that have been played back or have been played back in the past from the buffer unit,
A receiving unit that receives the first instruction input and the second instruction input ;
Fragments of high-quality video or low-quality video programs stored as to be reproduced to the main area is currently playing on the main area, or high-quality video program being stored and to be reproduced to the next area while fragments low-quality video is currently being played to the next area, when the first instruction input is accepted, the program being stored and to be reproduced to the next area, it is reproduced on the main region A high-quality moving image or a low-quality moving image fragment of a program stored in the main area as a new program to be reproduced is currently reproduced in the main area and stored in the previous area. When the second instruction input is received while the high-quality video or low-quality video fragment of the program is currently being played in the previous area, the program stored to be played in the previous area is Play back to the main area A new program to be reproduced in the main area, and a next program in the predetermined order of the new program to be reproduced in the main area as a new program to be reproduced in the next area. A moving picture reproducing apparatus comprising: a program updating unit configured to update the program storage unit so that a previous program in the predetermined order is a new program to be reproduced in the previous area . The video playback device according to claim 1,
The program update unit updates the program to be reproduced in the main area stored in the program storage unit because the high-quality video or low-quality video of the program to be reproduced in the next area is currently in the next area. A moving picture reproducing apparatus, which is limited to a high-quality moving picture or a low-quality moving picture of a program that is played back and is to be reproduced in the preceding area . The video playback device according to claim 2,
The main area has a larger area than the previous area and the next area, and the playback unit reproduces the high-quality video fragment in the previous area or the next area by reducing the high-quality video fragment, and the low-quality video fragment. A video playback apparatus characterized in that playback is performed in the main area by enlarging the video. The video playback device according to claim 2 or 3,
The program update unit determines a program preceding the previous program or a program next to the next program by inquiring of the server device a predetermined order of the plurality of programs. apparatus. A server device that provides streaming of a high-quality video or a low-quality video fragment to each of a plurality of video playback devices, each of the plurality of video playback devices being the video playback device according to claim 4,
An attention level storage unit that stores attention level parameters of the plurality of programs,
For each of the plurality of programs, an adding unit that adds a time length of a high-quality video fragment of the program that has been streamed to the plurality of video playback devices to the attention level parameter of the program in the attention level storage unit;
An order setting unit for setting the order of the plurality of programs according to the attention degree parameter of the stored program;
A server apparatus comprising: an order response unit that responds to the inquiries from the plurality of video reproduction apparatuses with respect to the order of the set programs. The server device according to claim 5, wherein
A server device, further comprising: an attention level update unit that multiplies the attention level parameter stored in the attention level storage unit by a predetermined constant of 0 or more and less than 1 each time a predetermined time elapses. A video playback method executed by a video playback device having a program storage unit, a provision request unit, a buffer unit, a playback unit, a reception unit, and a program update unit,
The said program storage unit, among the plurality of programs predetermined order has been determined, the program to be reproduced in a predetermined main area of the screen, and the program to be reproduced in a predetermined next region within the screen, the A program to be played back in a predetermined previous area in the screen ,
The provision requesting unit is a fragment of a high-quality moving image to be reproduced in the future of a program stored to be reproduced in the main area, and a low to be reproduced in the future of a program stored to be reproduced in the next area. A provision requesting step of requesting the server device to provide streaming of a fragment of the image quality moving image and a fragment of the low image quality moving image to be reproduced in the future of the program stored to be reproduced in the previous area ;
A high-quality moving picture fragment of a program stored in the main area streamed from the server device and stored in the buffer area, and a low-quality image of a program stored in the next area. A buffering step for buffering a fragment of a moving image and a fragment of a high-quality moving image of a program stored to be reproduced in the previous area ;
For the program stored in the main area to be played by the playback unit, the buffer unit
(A) When a high-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, the high-quality video fragment is played back in the main area,
(B) If the high-quality video fragment to be played back is not buffered and the low-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, the low-quality video fragment is played back in the main area. ,
For the program stored to be played in the next area, in the buffer section,
(C) If a low-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, play the low-quality video fragment in the next area,
(D) If the low-quality video fragment to be played back is not buffered and the high-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, the high-quality video fragment is played back in the next area. ,
For the program stored to be played in the previous area, in the buffer section,
(E) If a low-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, play the low-quality video fragment in the previous area,
(F) If the low-quality video fragment to be played back is not buffered and the high-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, the high-quality video fragment is played back in the previous area. ,
A reproduction step of erasing a high-quality video and a low-quality video fragment to be reproduced in the past from the buffer unit,
A receiving step in which the receiving unit receives a first instruction input and a second instruction input ;
The program update unit stores a high-quality moving image or a low-quality moving image fragment of a program stored to be played back in the main area, which is currently played back in the main area and played back in the next area . When the first instruction input is received while the high-quality video or low-quality video fragment of the program is currently being played in the next area, the program stored to be played in the next area is As a new program to be played back in the main area, a high-quality video or a low-quality video fragment of a program stored to be played back in the main area is currently played back in the main area and played back in the previous area. When the second instruction input is received while a high-quality video or low-quality video fragment of a program stored as being should be reproduced in the previous area, it is stored that the program should be reproduced in the previous area. The program that has been A new program to be reproduced in the main area and a next program in the predetermined order of the new program to be reproduced in the main area are set as a new program to be reproduced in the next area. A program updating step of updating the program storage unit so that the previous program in the predetermined order of the new program to be reproduced is a new program to be reproduced in the previous area. Video playback method. A service method of a server apparatus to execute streaming provides fragments of high-quality video or low-quality video to each of the plurality of moving image reproduction apparatus, the plurality of video playback device, video playback either claim 4 The server device includes an attention level storage unit, an addition unit, an order setting unit, and an order response unit,
The attention level storage unit stores attention level parameters of the plurality of programs,
For each of the plurality of programs, the addition unit adds the time length of the high-quality video fragment of the program that has been streamed to the plurality of video playback devices to the attention level parameter of the program in the attention level storage unit Adding process,
An order setting step in which the order setting unit sets the order of the plurality of programs according to the attention level parameter of the stored program;
A service method comprising: an order response step in which the order response unit responds to an inquiry from the plurality of video playback devices with an order of the set program. Play computer
Among a plurality of programs predetermined order has been determined, the program to be reproduced in a predetermined main area of the screen, and the program to be reproduced in a predetermined next region within the screen, a predetermined front region within the screen A program storage unit for storing a program to be reproduced
A fragment of a high-quality video to be reproduced in the future of a program stored to be reproduced in the main area, a fragment of a low-quality video to be reproduced in the future of a program stored to be reproduced in the next area ; A provision requesting unit for requesting a server to provide streaming of a low-quality moving image fragment to be reproduced in the future of a program stored to be reproduced in the previous area ;
A high-quality video fragment of a program stored to be played in the main area streamed from the server device, and a low-quality video fragment of a program stored to be played in the next area ; A buffer unit for buffering a high-quality video fragment of a program stored to be reproduced in the previous area ,
For the program stored to be played back in the main area ,
(A) When a high-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, the high-quality video fragment is played back in the main area,
(B) If the high-quality video fragment to be played back is not buffered and the low-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, the low-quality video fragment is played back in the main area. ,
For the program stored to be played in the next area, in the buffer section,
(C) If a low-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, play the low-quality video fragment in the next area,
(D) If the low-quality video fragment to be played back is not buffered and the high-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, the high-quality video fragment is played back in the next area. ,
For the program stored to be played in the previous area, in the buffer section,
(E) If a low-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, play the low-quality video fragment in the previous area,
(F) If the low-quality video fragment to be played back is not buffered and the high-quality video fragment to be played back is buffered, the high-quality video fragment is played back in the previous area. ,
A playback unit that deletes a high-quality video and a low-quality video fragment that have been played back or have been played back in the past from the buffer unit,
A receiving unit that receives the first instruction input and the second instruction input ;
Fragments of high-quality video or low-quality video programs stored as to be reproduced to the main area is currently playing on the main area, or high-quality video program being stored and to be reproduced to the next area while fragments low-quality video is currently being played to the next area, when the first instruction input is accepted, the program being stored and to be reproduced to the next area, it is reproduced on the main region A high-quality moving image or a low-quality moving image fragment of a program stored in the main area as a new program to be reproduced is currently reproduced in the main area and stored in the previous area. When the second instruction input is received while the high-quality video or low-quality video fragment of the program is currently being played in the previous area, the program stored to be played in the previous area is Play back to the main area A new program to be reproduced in the main area, and a next program in the predetermined order of the new program to be reproduced in the main area as a new program to be reproduced in the next area. A program for reproduction , which functions as a program update unit for updating the program storage unit so that a previous program in the predetermined order is a new program to be reproduced in the previous area . A server program that causes a server computer to function to provide a stream of high-quality video or low-quality video to each of a plurality of video playback devices, each of the plurality of video playback devices being claimed in claim 9. The reproduction program according to claim 1 is executed, and the server program includes a server computer,
An attention level storage unit that stores attention level parameters of the plurality of programs,
For each of the plurality of programs, an adding unit that adds a time length of a high-quality video fragment of the program that has been streamed to the plurality of video playback devices to the attention level parameter of the program in the attention level storage unit;
An order setting unit for setting the order of the plurality of programs according to the attention degree parameter of the stored program;
A program for a server, which functions as an order response unit that responds to the inquiries from the plurality of moving image playback devices, in response to the order of the set programs.

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