JP5286133B2 - REPRODUCTION DEVICE, REPRODUCTION DEVICE CONTROL PROGRAM, AND REPRODUCTION DEVICE OPERATION METHOD - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a playback apparatus.

  Examples of the video playback device include a television, a DVD player, a DVD recorder, and a hard disk recorder.

  In recent years, video playback devices have become more sophisticated due to the sophistication of required functions and the ability to handle high-definition video content. The waiting time during operation is long. Due to this long waiting time, the user of the video reproduction apparatus feels dissatisfied. For example, some high-performance HDD recorders currently available on the market require about one minute for the startup process.

  As a technique for solving user dissatisfaction due to the long waiting time, there is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  According to this technique, in a receiving device such as a television, content data (CM data) is output from when a power switch is turned on until program data is output, and an image based on the content data is displayed on a display screen. be able to.

JP 2005-80102 A

  However, the technique of Patent Document 1 does not clearly describe how to acquire and store content data and how to display content data when a receiving device such as a television is activated.

  The present invention reduces the dissatisfaction when the video playback device is operated by the user by playing back the content data during the operation time that occurs when the user operates the video playback device. Objective.

In order to achieve the above object, a playback device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first playback unit that plays back first content recorded on content media inserted in the device, and the first playback unit. and OS to start, after the content media is inserted to the own device, the second content and third content associated with the identification information of the content media, the identification information and the second content and the third content a content obtaining means for obtaining from a database in association with, a second content storage unit for storing the second content wherein the content acquisition unit has acquired, the second content and the second content storage unit stores And a third content for storing the third content acquired by the content acquisition means And憶部, when there is a reproduction instruction from the OS, to start a third reproducing section which reproduces the third content the third content storage unit stores, and the said OS second reproducing unit A boot loader, wherein the first content is reproduced by the first reproduction unit after the activation of the first reproduction unit, and the second reproduction unit is at least part of a period during which the OS is activated. Reproduces the second content, and the third reproduction unit reproduces the third content during at least a part of a period during which the first reproduction unit is activated .

  In addition, a control program and an operation method for a playback apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention are a program and a method that can be executed by the playback apparatus.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a user's dissatisfaction can be reduced because a video reproduction apparatus reproduces | regenerates content data in the operation time generate | occur | produced when a user operates a video reproduction apparatus.

1 is a block diagram of a communication system according to a first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram of a video playback apparatus according to a first embodiment. The block diagram of the content server which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of acquiring content by the video reproduction apparatus according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of acquiring content by the video reproduction apparatus according to the first embodiment. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the content server which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of reproducing content by the video reproduction apparatus according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of reproducing content by the video reproduction apparatus according to the first embodiment. The block diagram of the modification of the communication system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The block diagram of the video reproduction apparatus concerning the modification 1 of a 1st embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of acquiring content of a video reproduction device according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of acquiring content of a video reproduction device according to a second modification of the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of reproducing content of a video reproduction device according to Modification 3 of the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of playing back content of a video playback device according to Modification 3 of the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of playing back content of a video playback device according to Modification 4 of the first embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of playing back content of a video playback device according to Modification 4 of the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of reproducing content of a video reproduction device according to Modification 5 of the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of playing back content of a video playback device according to Modification 5 of the first embodiment. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation of reproducing content of a video reproduction device according to Modification 6 of the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of playing back content of a video playback device according to Modification 6 of the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a communication system according to the present embodiment.

  The communication system according to the present embodiment includes a video playback device 1, a broadcast wave receiver 3, a video display device 2, a content server 6, a broadcast station 7, a broadcast wave communication network 5, and a network 4. In the communication system according to the present embodiment, it is assumed that the video reproduction device 1, the broadcast wave receiver 3, and the video display device 2 are in the same house.

  In the present embodiment, the video playback device 1 is a DVD player having a hard disk recorder function. Content can be stored and played back on various storage media.

  The video display device 2 is a television in this embodiment. The video display device 2 displays the content output from the video playback device 1 on the screen. The video display device 2 is connected to the video playback device 1 through an HDMI terminal, a composite terminal, a D terminal, and the like.

  The broadcasting station 7 is a facility for broadcasting content such as television broadcasting.

  The broadcast wave receiver 3 receives content such as a television broadcast from the broadcast station 7 via the broadcast wave communication network 5 and transfers the received content to the video reproduction device 1.

  The content server 6 is a server that stores startup content (second content or third content) to be played when the video playback device 1 is started. When the content server 6 receives a request for content from the video playback device 1, the content server 6 transmits the content to the video playback device 1 via the network 4.

  In the present embodiment, the network 4 is used for communication between the video reproduction device 1 and the content server 6. The network 4 is, for example, the Internet.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the video playback apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The video playback device 1 can display the startup content obtained from the content server 6 on the video display device 2 after the power switch is turned on until the startup of the video playback device 1 is completed.

  The video playback device 1 includes a boot area 111. The boot area 111 is activated first when a power switch (not shown) is turned on. The second playback section 102 plays back the second content. A second content storage unit 103 that stores the second content is provided. According to the video reproduction apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when the boot loader 101 starts the control unit (OS) 104, the second content is reproduced by the second reproduction unit 102 at the same time.

  The video playback apparatus 1 further plays back various applications and devices 110 for playing back the first content received from the broadcasting station 7, a control unit (OS) 104 for controlling the apps and devices 110, and the third content. And a third content storage unit 106 for storing the third content. When the control unit 104 activates the application and the device 110 after the reproduction of the second content, the third playback unit 105 is simultaneously started. To play the third content.

  In addition, the video reproduction device 1 includes an action detection unit 107 that detects the operation (action) of the control unit 104, a display control unit 108 that performs control for displaying various contents on the video display device 2, a second content, and a third content. A content acquisition unit 109 for acquiring content, various applications for playing back video, and a device 110 are provided.

  The boot loader 101, the second playback unit 102, and the second content storage unit 103 exist in the boot area 111. Here, the boot area 111 is a storage area in which the boot loader 101 is stored, and is an area that can be accessed by the boot loader 101 before the activation of the control unit 104 is completed. In addition, the boot area 111 is a storage area at the head of a partition of a FLASH memory or a hard disk drive mounted on the video playback device 1 in terms of mounting.

  The boot loader 101 is a program that is first activated from the BIOS incorporated in the system when the video playback device 1 is turned on and activated.

  The boot loader 101 activates the control unit 104. After the control unit 104 is activated, the boot loader 101 completes the operation, and thereafter, the control unit 104 controls the operation of the video reproduction device 1. The boot loader 101 activates the second reproduction unit 102 when starting the activation process of the control unit 104. Then, the boot loader 101 instructs the second reproduction unit to reproduce the second content.

  When receiving the instruction to reproduce the second content from the boot loader 101, the second reproduction unit 102 acquires the second content from the second content storage unit 103 and reproduces it. Then, the second playback unit 102 instructs the display control unit 108 to display the second content.

  Here, for example, when acquiring the second content, the second playback unit 102 requests the second content by notifying the second content storage unit 103 of the key information. For example, the key information is time information when the video playback device 1 was stopped last time. Here, this key information is stored in the boot area 111 by the control unit 104 while the video reproduction apparatus 1 is activated. The key information may be the last function used when the video playback device 1 was started up last time.

  The second content storage unit 103 stores a plurality of second contents acquired by the content acquisition unit 109 during the operation of the video playback device 1. The second content storage unit 103 stores each second content in association with key information. Upon receiving an instruction from the second playback unit 102, the second content storage unit 103 provides the second content to the second playback unit 102. For example, when the instruction from the second playback unit 102 includes key information (time information when the previous video playback device 1 was stopped), the second content storage unit 103 stopped the previous video playback device 1. The second content corresponding to the time information is provided to the second playback unit 102. Note that the second content storage unit 103 may combine and provide a plurality of second contents stored by the content acquisition unit 109 as one second content.

  The control unit 104 controls the overall operation of the video playback device 1. For example, initialization processing and activation processing of various applications and devices 110 are performed. In addition, the control unit 104 instructs the third playback unit 105 to play back the third content at the time of starting or immediately before starting the initialization process and the startup process of various applications and devices 110. The control unit 104 also performs stop processing for various applications and the device 110.

  Upon receiving an instruction to reproduce the third content from the control unit 104, the third reproduction unit 105 acquires the third content from the third content storage unit 106 and sends it to the display control unit 108 as a signal, whereby the video display device 2 is instructed to display the third content. For example, the third playback unit 105 decodes the acquired third content and sends the decoded third content to the display control unit.

  For example, when the third playback unit 105 acquires the third content from the third content storage unit 106, the third playback unit 105 requests the third content by notifying the third content storage unit 106 of key information. To do. As the key information, for example, “identifier information of the content medium inserted in the video playback device 1” is used. The identifier information of the content medium is acquired from the various applications and devices 110 by the control unit 104 during the previous activation of the video playback device 1.

“Identifier information of the content medium inserted in the video playback device 1” means, for example, Content ID information or Indexing information of the DVD medium inserted in the DVD drive, SD card medium inserted in the SD card drive Content ID information, Indexing information, title information of content stored in the HDD, or metadata information.

  The key information may be “current video playback device 1 setting information and status information” or “video playback device 1 operation history information”.

  “Current video playback device 1 setting information and status information” is, for example, current video playback device 1 current setting time information, model identification number, individual identification number, destination information (for example, region code), or Setting channel information.

  The “operation history information of the video playback device 1” is, for example, the operation content immediately before in the video playback device 1, the most used time zone, or the most used media.

  The third content storage unit 106 stores a plurality of third contents acquired by the content acquisition unit 109 during the operation of the video reproduction device 1. The third content storage unit 106 stores each third content in association with key information. Upon receiving an instruction from the third playback unit 105, the third content storage unit 106 provides the third content to the third playback unit 105. For example, when an instruction from the third playback unit 105 is specified by key information (content medium identifier information), the third content storage unit 106 provides third content corresponding to the content medium identifier information. The third content storage unit 106 may combine and provide a plurality of third contents stored by the content acquisition unit 109 as one third content. For example, the third content storage unit 106 synthesizes and provides all the third content related to the DVD that has been played back in the video playback device 1 so far by the video playback device 1. Thus, a collection of DVD browsing records can be provided as the third content. Also, in addition to the third content related to the DVD that has been played so far, the third content related to the DVD that the user has not browsed is synthesized and provided, thereby achieving a commercial effect. In this case, the video that is played back by the third playback unit and displayed by the video display device 102 under the control of the display control unit 108 displays, for example, a plurality of videos as thumbnails.

  The display control unit 108 causes the video display device 2 to reproduce and display the content. For example, the display control unit 108 causes the video display device 2 to reproduce and display the second content and the third content in accordance with instructions from the second reproduction unit 102 and the third reproduction unit 105. Further, the display control unit 108 receives a display instruction from the boot loader 101 or the control unit 104 and causes the video display device 2 to reproduce and display the content. Also, the display control unit 108 displays and reproduces content stored in media such as HDD, DVD, and SD card, and content received by broadcast waves by the video display device 2 in accordance with various applications and instructions from the device 110. Let The display control unit 108 includes external connection terminals such as an HDMI terminal, a composite video signal terminal, and a D terminal, and displays video by outputting content to the video display device 2 as a video signal via the external connection terminal. To do. In the present embodiment, the case where the video playback device 2 is a DVD player has been described. However, when the video playback device 1 is a television, the display control unit 108 is realized by liquid crystal, plasma, or the like provided in the video playback device. The content is displayed and played on the video panel.

  The various applications and devices 110 are a set of applications and devices that implement various functions of the video reproduction device 1 (for example, including a first reproduction function for reproducing first content). Of the app and device 110, the means for achieving the first playback function is the first playback unit.

  Various applications and devices 110 include: an HDD control unit 1101A, a DVD control unit 1102A, a net control unit 1103A, a tuner control unit 1104A; Part 1104B.

  The HDD control unit 1101 </ b> A and the HDD unit 1101 </ b> B have an HDD function for storing first content acquired from a TV broadcast or a server on the network 4.

  The DVD control unit 1102A and the DVD unit 1102B have a function of reproducing the first content held on the DVD disc and a DVD function of saving the first content on the DVD disc.

  The tuner control unit 1104A and the tuner unit 1104B have a tuner function in which the user of the video playback device 1 selects a TV broadcast channel and plays back the first content received from the broadcast station 7.

  The network control unit 1103A and the network I / F unit 1103B have a network function for acquiring and playing back the first content on the Internet.

  Various applications and devices 110 may have other configurations. For example, an SD card drive unit may be provided as an application, and an SD card drive control unit may be provided as a device. Further, as an application, a remote control operation accepting unit, a timer control unit, and a maintenance control unit may be provided. Further, when the video playback apparatus 1 is a television, the application may include a tuner control unit 1104A and a device including only the tuner unit 1104B.

  The action detection unit 107 monitors the control unit 104, detects a specific operation or operation of the video playback device 1, and instructs the content acquisition unit 109 to acquire the third content or the second content. . There are various specific operations or operations of the video reproduction apparatus 1. For example, the start operation of the video playback device 1, the stop operation instruction of the video playback device 1, the completion of media insertion such as DVD, the playback operation of media such as DVD, the completion of media pause operation such as DVD, the media stop operation of DVD etc. Completion, the third content to the video reproduction apparatus 1 by the user, or an explicit second content acquisition instruction by the user. The specific operation or operation is preferably an operation or operation with a low processing load on the video reproduction apparatus 1.

  When the content acquisition unit 109 receives an instruction from the action detection unit 107, the content acquisition unit 109 acquires the third content or the second content from the content server 6 via the network 4, and acquires the acquired third content and second content respectively. And stored in the third content storage unit 106 and the second content storage unit 103.

  The content acquisition unit 109 transmits the third content or key information specifying the second content to the content server 6 and acquires the third content or the second content corresponding to the key information from the content server 6. 3rd content or 2nd content is acquired. The content acquisition unit 109 acquires key information for specifying the third content or the second content from any of the various applications and the device 110 during the operation of the video playback device 101.

  The key information for specifying the third content or the second content is, for example, “setting information and status information of the current video playback device 1”, “identifier information of the content medium inserted in the video playback device 1”. Or “operation history information of the video playback device 1”. Further, as the key information, these pieces of information may be combined. Further, as key information for specifying the third content or the second content, information regarding the type of action detected by the action detection unit 107 may be further combined.

  Note that when the content acquisition unit 109 transmits the third content or key information for specifying the second content to the content server 6, data exchange between the video reproduction device 1 and the content server 6 is not performed. Security may be ensured by encryption or authentication.

  In addition, when acquiring the third content or the second content corresponding to the key information from the content server 6, the content acquisition unit 109 encrypts or authenticates the content response message including the third content or the second content. If the security function is added, message decryption or verification (confirmation of legitimacy) may be performed.

  The above-described “current video playback device 1 setting information and status information” includes, for example, the current time setting information of the video playback device 1, the model identification number of the video playback device 1, the individual identification number of the video playback device 1, Alternatively, it is destination information (for example, a region code) of the video playback device 1.

  The above-mentioned “identifier information of the content medium inserted in the video playback device 1” is, for example, Content ID information of the DVD medium inserted in the DVD drive, Indexing information, or inserted in the SD card drive. Content ID information or Indexing information of the SD card medium being stored, title information of content stored in the HDD, or metadata information.

  The “operation history information of the video playback device 1” is, for example, the operation content immediately before in the video playback device 1, the most used time zone, or the most used media.

  Next, the configuration of the content server 6 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the content server 6 according to the present embodiment.

  The content server 6 includes a key information reception unit 602, a content transmission unit 601, a server control unit 603, and a database 604.

  The key information receiving unit 602 receives a content request message including key information for specifying the third content or the second content transmitted from the video reproduction device 1 via the network 4, and sends it to the server control unit 603. It instructs the third content or the second content corresponding to the key information to be acquired. The key information receiving unit 602 performs decryption or verification (confirmation of legitimacy) of the content request message when a security function such as encryption or authentication is added to the content request message including the received key information. It may have a function.

  The content transmission unit 601 transmits the acquired third content or second content as a content response message to the video reproduction device 1 via the network 4.

  The database 604 stores key information and corresponding third content or second content.

  For example, the database 604 stores the content ID information of the DVD media as key information, and stores the content of the character corresponding to the content of the DVD media as the third content or the second content corresponding to the key information. To do. In this case, the video playback device 1 provides the third content or the second content to a user who has purchased the DVD media and viewed it on the video playback device 1, thereby providing additional information on the DVD content. Can provide video services.

  Further, the database 604 stores, for example, the content ID information of the DVD medium as key information, and another content that does not directly appear in the content of the DVD medium as the third content or the second content corresponding to the key information. Store DVD character content. In this case, the video playback device 1 provides the third content or the second content to a user who purchases the DVD media and views it on the video playback device 1, thereby allowing another DVD content to be provided. Commercial content to call for can be provided.

  Further, the database 604 stores operation history information of the video playback device 1 and model identification information of the video playback device 1 as key information, and a user as third content or second content corresponding to the key information. Memorize the contents to teach the correct operation method. In this case, for example, when the user of the video reproduction device 1 repeats the same operation many times or fails, the operation history information and the model identification information are transmitted to the content server 6 as key information, so that the correct operation is performed. Can understand how. Therefore, in this case, the video reproduction device 1 can provide a one-point help function.

  The database 604 may store either the third content or the second content corresponding to the key information. Here, the second content and the third content are the same video, and may be stored without distinction. On the other hand, the second content and the third content may be stored separately. For example, the second content is a still image composed of a bitmap or the like, and the third content is a high-definition animated video created by flash. This is because high-definition video content can be displayed and reproduced after the control unit 104 is activated (when the third content is reproduced), compared to when the boot loader 101 is operating (when the second content is reproduced).

  In response to an instruction from the key information receiving unit 602, the server control unit 603 acquires the third content or the second content corresponding to the key information from the database 604, and the acquired third content or second content is the content transmission unit 601. Is instructed to transmit as a content response message. Note that the server control unit 603 specifies and acquires content based on, for example, all key information included in the content request message. On the other hand, content may be specified and acquired based on part of the key information.

  Next, an operation method of the video reproduction device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, a method for acquiring the third content or the second content of the video reproduction device 1 and a method for reproducing and displaying the third content or the second content during the activation process of the video reproduction device 1 will be described.

  First, a method for acquiring the third content or the second content of the video reproduction device 1 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation in which the video reproduction device 1 according to the present embodiment acquires the third content or the second content from the content server 6. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation in which the video reproduction device 1 according to the present embodiment acquires the third content or the second content. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the content server 6 according to the present embodiment.

  First, the action detection unit 107 detects a specific operation or operation of the video reproduction device 1 from the control unit 104 (S101). For example, the completion of the startup operation of the video playback device 1 is detected.

  Next, the action detection unit 107 instructs the content acquisition unit 109 to acquire the third content or the second content (S102).

  Next, in order to determine the third content or the second content to be acquired, the content acquisition unit 109 sends key information for specifying the third content or the second content to the various applications and devices 110, and the various applications and devices. 110 is requested (S103). As key information for specifying the third content or the second content, for example, a combination of Content ID information of a DVD medium inserted in a DVD drive, a model identification number of the video playback device 1, and an individual identification number of the video playback device 1 It is.

  Next, the various applications and devices 110 return key information for specifying the third content or the second content to the content acquisition unit 109 (S104).

  Next, the content acquisition unit 109 includes a content request message including key information for specifying the third content or the second content in which the information acquired from the various applications and devices 110 and the action information detected by the action detection unit 107 are combined. Is transmitted to the content server 6 on the external network 4 via the network 4 (S105).

  Next, the key information receiving unit 602 of the content server 6 receives the content request message (S201).

Next, upon receiving an instruction from the key information receiving unit 602, the server control unit 603 of the content server 6 acquires the third content or the second content corresponding to the key information. (S202)
Next, in response to an instruction from the server control unit 603, the content transmission unit 601 of the content server 6 transmits a content response message including the third content or the second content to the video reproduction device 1 (S203).

  Next, the content acquisition unit 109 receives the third content or the second content as a content response message from the content server 6 (S106).

  Next, when the received content response message includes the second content, the content acquisition unit 109 stores the second content in the second content storage unit 103 (S107).

  Next, when the received content response message includes the third content, the content acquisition unit 109 stores the third content in the third content storage unit 106 (S108).

  Next, the content acquisition unit 109 notifies the action detection unit 107 that acquisition of the third content and the second content and storage in the third content storage unit 106 and the second content storage unit 103 have been completed (S109). ).

  Next, the action detection unit 107 identifies that the second acquisition unit has completed the acquisition of the third content and the second content and the storage in the third content storage unit 106 and the second content storage unit 103 (S110). ).

  Next, a method for reproducing and displaying the third content or the second content during the activation process of the video reproduction device 1 will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of reproducing and displaying the third content or the second content during the activation process of the video reproduction device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of reproducing the third content or the second content during the activation process by the video reproduction device 1 according to the present embodiment.

  When the user of the video playback device 1 turns on the power of the video playback device 1 (S301), the BIOS starts up the boot loader 101, and the boot loader 101 starts boot processing (S302). That is, the boot loader 101 performs preparation and processing for starting the control unit 104 as boot processing. Further, the boot loader 101 may further read another boot loader (secondary loader) as the boot process.

  Next, the boot loader 101 instructs the second reproduction unit 102 to reproduce the second content (S303). Note that the boot loader 101 may instruct the reproduction of the second content before the boot loader 101 starts the boot process.

  Next, the second playback unit 102 requests the second content from the second content storage unit 103 (S304). For example, the second playback unit 102 notifies key information when a second content request is made to the second content storage unit 103. The key information is, for example, time information when the video playback device 1 was stopped last time.

  Next, the second content storage unit 103 provides the second content corresponding to the key information to the second playback unit 102 (S305).

  Next, the second playback unit 102 displays the second content on the display control unit 108 by playing back the second content received from the second content storage unit 103 and sending the played back second content as a signal. Is instructed to do so (S306).

  Next, the display control unit 108 causes the video reproduction device 2 to display the second content (S307).

  Next, when the boot loader 101 completes the activation of the control unit 104, the boot loader 101 completes the boot process (S308).

  Next, when the boot loader 101 completes the boot process, the reproduction process of the second reproduction unit 102 is completed (S309). Even when the playback process of the second playback unit 102 is completed, the display control unit 108 continues the display process of the second content instructed before the playback process of the second playback unit 102 is completed.

  Next, the control unit 104 starts activation and initialization processing (activation of various applications and initialization of various devices) for various applications and devices (S310).

  Next, the control unit 104 instructs the third reproduction unit 105 to reproduce the third content (S311). Note that the control unit 104 may instruct the reproduction of the third content before starting activation and initialization of various applications and the device 110.

  Next, the third playback unit 105 requests the third content from the third content storage unit 106 (S312). For example, the third playback unit 105 notifies key information when a third content is requested from the third content storage unit 106. As the key information, for example, the current set time information is transmitted as the current state information of the video playback device 1.

  Next, the third content storage unit 106 provides the third content matching the key information to the third playback unit 105 (S313). For example, the third content storage unit 106 corresponds to the current set time information of the key information, and differs depending on whether the video playback device 1 is started in the early morning or the video playback device 1 is started at midnight. 3 contents are provided.

  Next, the third reproduction unit 105 reproduces the third content received from the third reproduction unit 105, and displays the third content on the display control unit 108 by sending the reproduced third content as a signal. (S314).

  Next, the display control unit 108 causes the video display device 2 to display the third content (S315). In S307, when the video display device 2 continues to display the second content, the display control unit 108 forcibly ends the display of the second content and displays the third content. Alternatively, the third content may be displayed after the end of the display of the second content.

  Next, when the activation and initialization processing for all the various applications and devices 110 are completed, the control unit 104 transitions to an initial steady state at the completion of activation (S316).

  Next, when the control unit 104 completes the startup and initialization process, the reproduction process of the third reproduction unit 105 is completed (S317). Even when the playback process of the third playback unit 105 is completed, the display control unit 108 continues the display process of the third content instructed before the playback process of the third playback unit 105 is completed.

  Next, the control unit 104 instructs the display control unit 108 to display the initial steady screen of the video reproduction device 1 (S318).

  Next, the display control unit 108 causes the video display device 2 to display an initial steady screen (S319). In S315, when the video display device 2 continues to display the third content, the display control unit 108 forcibly ends the display of the third content and displays the initial steady screen. Alternatively, the initial steady screen may be displayed after the display of the third content is finished.

  According to the video playback apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the user displays the third content and the second content during the startup process of the video playback apparatus 1, whereby the video playback apparatus 1 in the startup process is displayed. User dissatisfaction can be reduced. In particular, in the video apparatus according to the present embodiment, the second playback unit 102 and the second content storage unit 103 exist in the boot area 111 which is an area accessible by the boot loader 101, and the area accessible by the control unit 104. The third playback unit 105 and the third content storage unit 106, two steps at the time of activation, that is, “when the control unit 104 is activated by the activation control unit 104” and “various applications and devices by the control unit 104” 110 ”, by playing the second content and the third content, respectively, the content data can be played back in two steps at the time of startup, and the user of the video playback device 1 can effectively be played back. Dissatisfaction can be reduced.

  The present embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope in the implementation stage.

  For example, as the display of the content during the boot process, the content is reproduced and displayed in both “boot process” and “starting and initializing various apps and devices 110”, but “boot process” or “various The content may be displayed only in any case of “starting and initializing process of application and device 110”. In this case, the video reproduction apparatus 1 may not include the third reproduction unit 105 and the third content storage unit 106 as a case where the second content is reproduced and displayed only during “boot processing”. In addition, the video playback device 1 does not include the second playback unit 102 and the second content storage unit 103 in the case where the third content is played back and displayed only when “various applications and devices 110 are being activated and initialized”. Also good.

  In addition, the second playback unit 102 and the third playback unit 105 do not always have to play back the second content and the third content when instructed by the boot loader 101 and the control unit 104, respectively. For example, the second playback unit 102 and the third playback unit 105 may play back the second content or the third content, respectively, according to a certain probability or when only certain key information exists. Further, the operation of the third content reproduction / display method at the time of activation can be defined by the user setting in advance. For example, when the user sets in advance and turns off the playback function of the second playback unit 102 or the third playback unit 105, there is an instruction from the boot loader 101 or the control unit 104, respectively. Alternatively, it may be set not to reproduce.

  Further, the video playback apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment may have a configuration in which the second playback unit 102 includes the function of the third playback unit 105 and does not include the third playback unit 105.

  In addition, the video playback device 1 according to the present embodiment may have a configuration in which the second content storage unit 103 includes the function of the third content storage unit 106 and does not include the third content storage unit 106.

  In the communication system according to the present embodiment, the content server 6 is not provided in the home as shown in FIG. 1, but may be provided in the home as shown in FIG. In this case, the content server 6 is, for example, a video playback device 1 different from the video playback device 1 according to the present embodiment, or a home server. For example, the video playback device 1 according to the present embodiment may be a TV, and the video playback device 1 corresponding to the content server 6 may be an HDD recorder. When the content server 6 is provided in the home, the configuration and operation of the communication system including the video reproduction device 1 according to the present embodiment is that the content server 6 is in the home and the network 4 is the home network 4. Other than that, the same applies. When the content server 6 is installed in the home, there may be different security requirements for encryption and authentication of messages transmitted and received between the video playback device 1 and the content server 6.

In addition, when acquiring the third content or the second content, the video playback device 1 according to the present embodiment does not access the network 4 and stores the content held by the video playback device 1 in the third content. It may be selected and acquired as content or second content. Hereinafter, two cases will be described as cases where the content held by the video reproduction device 1 is selected and acquired as the third content or the second content. (Hereinafter referred to as Modification 1 and Modification 2, respectively.)
(Modification 1)
First, the first case is a case where the video playback apparatus 1 further includes a content database 112 in addition to the configuration of the video playback apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. For example, this is possible when the video playback device 1 has a function of storing and holding a large amount of content, such as an HDD recorder. In this case, the content database 112 stores key information and corresponding third content or second content. The operation method for acquiring the third content or the second content of the video reproduction device 1 in this case is the same as S101 to S104 and S107 to S110 in the operation method of the video reproduction device 1 according to the first embodiment. S105 and S106 are different. Therefore, hereinafter, processing S105 ′ and S106 ′ to be performed instead of S105 and S106 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation method in which the video reproduction apparatus 1 acquires the third content or the second content. The content acquisition unit 109 notifies the content database 112 of the third content in which the information acquired from the various applications and devices 110 and the action information detected by the action detection unit 107 are combined, or key information for specifying the second content. (S105 '). As a result, the content acquisition unit 109 acquires the third content or the second content corresponding to the key information from the content database 112 (S106 ′). Thereafter, the content acquisition unit 109 stores the acquired third content and second content in the third content storage unit 106 and the second content storage unit 103, respectively (S107) and (S108).

  The content database 122 may be realized as part of the HDD control unit 1101A and the HDD unit 1101B. In this case, the content database 112 is a database in which content stored in the HDD unit by the HDD control unit is associated with metadata information such as corresponding key information. By storing in association with the key information, a part of the stored content can be used as the second content or the third content.

(Modification 2)
In the second case, the content acquisition unit 109 cuts out the content currently displayed on the display control unit 108. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation method in which the video reproduction apparatus 1 acquires the third content or the second content. In this case, S101, S102, and S107 to S110 in the operation method of the first video reproduction apparatus 1 are the same, and S103 to S106 are different. That is, the video playback device 1 does not use key information when acquiring content. Hereinafter, the processing S103 ″ performed instead of S103 to S106 will be described. That is, the content acquisition unit 109 selects and acquires the content currently reproduced and displayed on the display control unit 108 (S103 ″). For example, the content acquisition unit 109 cuts out a still image of the content currently being reproduced on the display control unit 108 as the second content, and reproduces the still image on the current display control unit 108 as the third content or the second content. Clip content videos. Thereafter, the content acquisition unit 109 stores the acquired third content and second content in the third content storage unit 106 and the second content storage unit 103, respectively (S107) and (S108).

In addition, the video playback device 1 according to the present embodiment may perform the playback of the third content during a waiting time other than when the video playback device 1 is activated. For example, it is a waiting time for a media operation (playback / pause, stop) or load time for a DVD or SD card at the time of stop processing of the video playback device 1, preparation for menu screen display processing, channel switching, or the like. Hereinafter, the method for reproducing the third content in each case will be described focusing on differences from the method for reproducing the third content at startup. (Hereinafter referred to as Modification 3 to Modification 6, respectively.)
(Modification 3)
First, a method for playing back the third content during the stop process of the video playback device 1 will be described.

  FIG. 13 shows a flowchart illustrating a method in which the video playback device 1 plays back the third content when the video playback device 1 is stopped. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing how the video playback apparatus 1 plays back the third content when the video playback apparatus 1 is stopped.

  Upon receiving a stop processing request for the video playback device 1 from the user, the control unit 104 instructs all the various applications and devices 110 to start the stop processing. Then, all the various applications and devices 110 start a stop process (S310 ′).

  Next, the control unit 104 instructs the third reproduction unit 105 to reproduce the third content (S311). Note that the control unit 104 may instruct the reproduction of the third content before instructing various applications and the device 110 to start the stop process.

  Next, the third playback unit 105 requests the third content from the third content storage unit 106 (S312). The third playback unit 105 notifies key information when a third content request is made to the third content storage unit 106.

  Next, the third content storage unit 106 provides the third content matching the key information to the third playback unit 105 (S313).

  Next, the third reproduction unit 105 displays the third content on the display control unit 108 by transmitting the third content reproduced by reproducing the third content received from the third reproduction unit 105 as a signal. (S314).

  Next, the display control unit 108 causes the video display device 2 to display the third content (S315).

  Next, all the various applications and devices 110 complete the stop process (S316 ′), and notify the control unit 104 that the stop process has been completed.

    Next, upon receiving a notification that the stop process has been completed, the control unit 104 completes the playback process of the third playback unit 105 (S317). Even when the playback process of the third playback unit 105 is completed, the display control unit 108 continues the display process of the third content instructed before the playback process of the third playback unit 105 is completed.

  Next, the control unit 104 stops the control unit 104 itself (S318 ′). In S318 ′, when the video display device 2 continues to display the third content, the control unit 104 forcibly ends the display of the third content by the display control unit 108, and the control unit 104 Good to stop. In addition, after the display of the third content by the display control unit 108 is completed, the control unit 104 may stop the control unit 104 upon receiving a display end notification from the display control unit 108.

  According to the video reproduction device 1 according to the present modification, the user displays the third content while the video reproduction device 1 is being stopped, so that the user's waiting time of the video reproduction device 1 during the stop processing is displayed. Dissatisfaction with can be reduced.

(Modification 4)
Next, a method of playing back the third content when preparing the menu screen display process of the video playback device 1 will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a method in which the video playback apparatus 1 plays back the third content when preparing the menu screen display process. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing how the video playback apparatus 1 plays back the third content when the menu screen display process is prepared.

  Upon receiving a menu display instruction request from the video playback device 1, the control unit 104 starts preparation for menu screen display processing (S310 ″). The preparation for the menu screen display process is specifically as follows. That is, first, the control unit 104 instructs all various applications and devices 110 to request acquisition of state information necessary for menu screen display. Next, all the various applications and devices 110 execute a state information acquisition process, and when acquired, notify the control unit 104 of this. The status information is, for example, list information of contents currently held by various applications and devices 110 and current setting information. Next, when the control unit 104 receives state information from all the various applications and devices 110, the control unit 104 executes processing for creating a menu screen including the state information. The above is the preparation for the menu screen display process.

  Next, the control unit 104 instructs the third reproduction unit 105 to reproduce the third content (S311). The control unit 104 may instruct the reproduction of the third content before starting the preparation for the menu screen display process.

  Next, the third playback unit 105 requests the third content from the third content storage unit 106 (S312). For example, the third playback unit 105 notifies key information when a third content is requested from the third content storage unit 106.

  Next, the third content storage unit 106 provides the third content matching the key information to the third playback unit 105 (S313).

  Next, the third playback unit 105 displays the third content on the display control unit 108 by playing back the third content received from the third playback unit 105 and sending the played back third content as a signal. (S314).

  Next, the display control unit 108 displays the third content by the video display device 2 (S315).

  Next, the control unit 104 completes preparation for menu screen display processing (S316 ″).

  Next, when the control unit 104 completes the preparation for the menu screen display process, the third playback unit 105 completes the playback process (S317). Even when the playback process of the third playback unit 105 is completed, the display control unit 108 continues the display process of the third content instructed before the playback process of the third playback unit 105 is completed.

  Next, the control unit 104 instructs the display control unit 108 to display a menu screen (S318 ″).

  Next, the display control unit 108 causes the video display device 2 to display a menu screen (S319 ″). If the video display device 2 continues to display the third content in S315, the display control unit 108 may forcibly end the display of the third content and display the menu screen. Then, the menu screen may be displayed after the display of the third content is finished.

  According to the video reproduction device 1 according to the present modification, the user reproduces the video that is being prepared for the menu screen display processing by displaying the third content while the video reproduction device 1 is preparing for the menu screen display processing. Dissatisfaction with the waiting time of the user of the device 1 can be reduced.

(Modification 5)
Next, a method for playing back the third content at the time of channel switching of the video playback device 1 will be described.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a method for the video playback device 1 to play back the third content when the channel is switched. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing how the video playback apparatus 1 plays back the third content when the channel is switched.

  When the control unit 104 receives a channel switching instruction request from the user of the video reproduction device 1, the control unit 104 instructs the tuner control unit 1104A to perform channel switching. The tuner control unit 1104A uses the tuner unit 1104B to perform channel switching. Switching processing is started (S310 ''). When the first content is being reproduced, the control unit 104 stops the reproduction. Next, the control unit 104 instructs the third reproduction unit 105 to reproduce the third content (S311). Note that the control unit 104 may instruct the reproduction of the third content before starting the channel switching process.

  Next, the third playback unit 105 requests the third content from the third content storage unit 106 (S312). For example, the third playback unit 105 notifies key information when a third content is requested from the third content storage unit 106.

  Next, the third content storage unit 106 provides the third content matching the key information to the third playback unit 105 (S313).

  Next, the third playback unit 105 displays the third content on the display control unit 108 by playing back the third content received from the third content storage unit 106 and sending the played back third content as a signal. Is instructed to do so (S314).

  Next, the display control unit 108 causes the video display device 2 to display the third content (S315).

  Next, when the tuner control unit 1104A and the tuner unit 1104B complete the channel switching process (S316 ″), the tuner control unit 1104A notifies the control unit 104 that the channel switching process has been completed.

  Next, when the control unit 104 receives a notification that the channel switching process has been completed, the control unit 104 stops the reproduction process of the third reproduction unit 105 (S317 ″). Even when the playback process of the third playback unit 105 is completed, the display control unit 108 continues the display process of the third content instructed before the playback process of the third playback unit 105 is completed.

  Next, the control unit 104 instructs the display control unit 108 to display the screen after the channel switching (S318 ′ ″). Next, the display control unit 108 causes the video display device 2 to display the first content that is the screen after the channel switching (S319 ′ ″). In S315, when the video display device 2 continues to display the third content, the display control unit 108 forcibly ends the display of the third content and displays the screen after the channel switching. It may be displayed on the device 2, or the screen after the channel switching may be displayed after the display of the third content is finished.

  According to the video playback device 1 according to the present modification, the user displays the third content during the channel switching of the video playback device 1, thereby waiting for the user of the video playback device 1 during the channel switching. Dissatisfaction with can be reduced.

(Modification 6)
Next, a description will be given of a method for playing back the third content during processing of various applications and devices 110 of the video playback device 1 (for example, playback, stop and pause of the first content, and loading of the first content).

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a method for the video playback apparatus 1 to play back the third content during operation processing of various applications and devices 110. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a method for the video playback apparatus 1 to play back the third content when various applications and devices 110 are operated.

  Upon receiving the first content operation instruction request from the user of the video playback device 1, the control unit 104 receives various applications and devices 110 (for example, the network control unit 1103A, HDD, and the like) that have received the first content operation instruction. The control unit 1101A or the DVD control unit 1102A) is instructed to perform the first content operation in accordance with the user's operation, and the various applications and devices 110 that have received the instruction start the first content operation process. (S310 '' ''). Various applications and the device 110 perform processing accompanied by loading of the first content as the operation processing of the first content.

  Next, the control unit 104 instructs the third reproduction unit 105 to reproduce the third content (S311). Note that the control unit 104 may issue an instruction to reproduce the third content before requesting an instruction to operate the first content.

  Next, the third playback unit 105 requests the third content from the third content storage unit 106 (S312). For example, the third playback unit 105 notifies key information when a third content is requested from the third content storage unit 106.

  Next, the third content storage unit 106 provides the third content matching the key information to the third playback unit 105 (S313).

  Next, the third playback unit 105 displays the third content on the display control unit 108 by playing back the third content received from the third playback unit 105 and sending the played back third content as a signal. (S314).

  Next, the display control unit 108 causes the video display device 2 to display the third content (S315).

  Next, when the various applications and the device 110 complete the operation processing of the first content (S316 ′ ″), the various applications and the device 110 notify the control unit 104 that the operation processing of the first content is completed.

  Next, when the control unit 104 receives a notification that the first content operation process has been completed, the control unit 104 stops the reproduction process of the third reproduction unit 105 (S317). Even when the playback process of the third playback unit 105 is completed, the display control unit 108 continues the display process of the third content instructed before the playback process of the third playback unit 105 is completed.

  Next, the control unit 104 instructs the display control unit 108 to display the first content that is the operation processing result of the first content (S318 ″ ″).

  Next, the display control unit 108 reproduces and displays the first content, which is the operation processing result of the first content, on the video display device 2 (S319 ′ ″). If the video display device 2 continues to display the third content in S315, the display control unit 108 forcibly ends the display of the third content and reproduces and displays the first content. Alternatively, the first content that is the result of the first content operation process may be displayed after the display of the third content is finished.

  According to the video reproduction device 1 according to the present modification, the user displays the third content during the operation waiting time for the first content of the video reproduction device 1 or during the load waiting time, thereby allowing the first content to be displayed. It is possible to reduce dissatisfaction with the operation waiting time of the user of the video playback device 1 during the content operation processing waiting time or the loading waiting time.

  Note that the video reproduction device 1 according to the present embodiment can also be realized by using a general-purpose computer device as basic hardware. That is, the boot loader 101, the second playback unit 102, the second content storage unit 103, the third content storage unit 106, the control unit 104, the third playback unit 105, various applications and devices 110, the action detection unit 107, and the content acquisition unit 109. The display control unit 108 can be realized by executing a program on a processor mounted on the computer device. At this time, the video reproduction apparatus 1 can be realized by executing the above program. At this time, the video reproduction apparatus 1 may be realized by installing the above program in a computer device in advance, or may be stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM or the above program via the network 4. It may be realized by distributing and installing this program on a computer device as appropriate. The second content storage unit 103 and the third content storage unit 106 are memories such as a memory, a hard disk or a CD-R, a CD-RW, a DVD-RAM, and a DVD-R that are incorporated in or externally attached to the computer device. It can be realized by appropriately using a medium or the like.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from the previous components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, the constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the third content and the second content are distinguished from each other, but the third content and the second content may be the same content without distinction.

  Further, the communication system according to the present embodiment has been described on the assumption that the video reproduction device is a DVD player having a hard disk recorder function. However, the video reproduction device may be a television. In this case, the video reproduction device also has a function of a video display device. That is, the video playback device can display the content played back by the video playback device on the screen. Therefore, in this case, the communication system may be a system that does not include a video display device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Video reproduction apparatus, 2 ... Video display apparatus, 3 ... Broadcast wave receiver, 4 ... Network, 5 ... Broadcast wave communication network, 6 ... Content server, 7 ... Broadcast Station: 101 ... Boot loader, 102 ... Second playback unit, 103 ... Second content storage unit, 104 ... Control unit, 105 ... Third playback unit, 106 ... Third content Storage unit 107 ... Action detection unit 108 ... Display control unit 109 ... Content acquisition unit 110 ... Various applications and devices 111 ... Boot area 1101A ... HDD control unit 1101B: HDD unit, 1102A ... DVD control unit, 1102B ... DVD unit, 1103A ... net control unit, 1103B ... net I / F unit, tuner control unit ... 1104A, Na portion ... 1104B, 112 ... content database 601 ... content transmission unit, 602 ... key information receiving unit, 603 ... server control section, 604 ... database

Claims (5)

A first playback unit for playing back the first content recorded on the content medium inserted in the device ;
An OS for starting the first playback unit;
After the content media is inserted to the own device, the second content and third content associated with the identification information of the content media, and stores the identification information and the second content and the third in association with content Content acquisition means for acquiring from a database ;
A second content storage unit for storing the second content acquired by the second content acquisition unit;
A second playback unit for playing back the second content stored in the second content storage unit ;
A third content storage unit for storing the third content acquired by the content acquisition unit;
A third playback unit for playing back the third content stored in the third content storage unit when there is a playback instruction from the OS ;
A boot loader that activates the OS and the second playback unit;
The first content is reproduced by the first reproduction unit after the activation of the first reproduction unit is completed,
At least part of a period during which the OS is running, the second playback unit plays back the second content ;
The playback apparatus, wherein the third playback unit plays back the third content during at least a part of a period during which the first playback unit is activated .   The second content storage unit and the second playback unit exist in a boot area that is an area accessible by the boot loader,
  2. The playback apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third content playback unit and the third storage unit exist outside the boot area. The playback apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the third content is a higher definition image than the second content. A program for controlling a playback device,
A first playback function for playing back the first content recorded on the content medium inserted in the playback device ;
A control function for activating the first reproduction function;
The reproducing apparatus after the content media is inserted, the second content and third content associated with the content media identification information, the identification information and the second content and the third in association with a content storage Content acquisition function to acquire from the database to be
A second content storage function for storing the second content acquired by the first content acquisition function;
A second reproduction function for reproducing the second content;
A third content storage function for storing the third content acquired by the content acquisition function;
A third playback function for playing back the third content when a playback instruction is received from the control function;
An activation control function for activating the control function and the second reproduction function;
The first content is reproduced by the first reproduction function after the activation of the first reproduction function is completed,
At least part of a period during which the control function is activated, the second playback function plays back the second content;
The program , wherein the third reproduction function reproduces the third content during at least a part of a period during which the first reproduction function is activated . A method of operating a regenerative device, comprising:
A first playback unit for playing back the first content recorded on the content media inserted in the playback device ;
A control unit that activates the first reproduction unit;
After inserting the content media in the reproducing apparatus, the second content and third content associated with the identification information of the content media, and stores the identification information and the second content and the third and content associated with A content acquisition unit to acquire from a database ;
A storage unit for storing the second content acquired by the first content acquisition unit;
A second playback unit for playing back the second content;
An activation control unit that activates the control unit and the second reproduction unit; a third content storage unit that stores the third content acquired by the content acquisition unit;
And a third playback unit that plays back the third content when a playback instruction is received from the control unit.
The starting control unit starting the control unit;
At least a part of a period during which the control unit is activated, and the second playback unit plays back the second content;
The control unit activating the first reproduction unit;
An operation method comprising: at least a part of a period in which the first reproduction unit is activated, and the third reproduction unit reproducing the third content.

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