JP5589137B2 - Electronic device, speaker, communication system, communication control method and program for electronic device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device, a speaker, a communication system, an electronic device communication control method, and a program capable of wireless communication with a plurality of source devices having a content reproduction function.

  Conventionally, this is a data transfer system that transmits data between devices in a one-to-one connection, and when the transmission environment deteriorates, data can be transferred reliably by changing the data compression rate according to the amount of transmission error Technologies have been proposed. By applying this technology to audio streaming by Bluetooth communication, real-time playback with little sound interruption or delay amount during playback can be realized (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-309541 A

  By the way, when the above technique is applied to a communication system including a plurality of source devices and one sink device, in order to reliably transfer audio streaming from the plurality of source devices to the sink device (of the wireless band). In order to avoid compression, it is conceivable to compress the data according to the number of connections. However, when the data compression rate is increased, sound quality deterioration is unavoidable, so that it is difficult to apply to audio equipment (for example, speakers) that require sound quality.

  In addition, when trying to continuously play audio data held by each of a plurality of source devices for each piece of music to one sink device by Bluetooth communication, only one-to-one connection is possible. An authentication procedure such as connection → disconnection → connection is required every time the music is switched between. For this reason, there is a problem that it takes time to switch the music, and the user feels uncomfortable. As a method for solving this, it is conceivable to provide a plurality of Bluetooth receiving modules in the sink device, but it is not realistic in view of the disadvantage to the user such as an increase in product cost.

  In view of the above-described problems, the present invention provides an electronic device, a speaker, a communication system, and the like that can quickly switch audio data (contents) transferred from a plurality of source devices without degrading sound quality (data quality). An object of the present invention is to provide a communication control method and program for an electronic device.

  An electronic device of the present invention is an electronic device capable of wireless communication with a plurality of source devices having a content reproduction function, and is a function for transmitting content received from each source device to a content output unit. A plurality of software blocks for establishing a wireless communication connection with each of the source devices, a playback control unit for controlling playback / stop of each source device, and a plurality of software blocks based on the control of the playback control unit A target block selecting unit that selects a target block that is a software block corresponding to a source device to be played, and the content output unit outputs the content transmitted by the target block .

  A communication control method for an electronic device according to the present invention is a communication control method for an electronic device capable of wireless communication with a plurality of source devices having a content reproduction function, wherein the electronic device receives content received from each source device as a content output unit. And a playback control step for controlling the playback / stop of each source device, including a plurality of software blocks for establishing a wireless communication connection with each of the plurality of source devices in a one-to-one manner Based on the control of the playback control process, the target block selection process for selecting a target block that is a software block corresponding to the source device to be played from among a plurality of software blocks, and the content output unit transmits the target block And a content output step of outputting the content that has been performed.

According to these configurations, since a plurality of software blocks for establishing a one-to-one connection with each source device and transmitting the content received from each source device to the content output unit are provided, a plurality of source devices are provided. And keep the connection. Thereby, even when content is switched between different source devices, an authentication procedure such as connection->disconnection-> connection is not required, so that content switching can be performed smoothly. In addition, in order to realize simultaneous connection with a plurality of source devices, a hardware configuration such as a plurality of receiving modules is not required, so that the apparatus cost does not increase extremely. In addition, because the electronic device (sink device) can control the playback / stop of each source device, multiple contents are transferred simultaneously from multiple source devices, compressing the wireless bandwidth, and data transfer is interrupted. Can solve problems such as
The “content” is a concept including digital data such as audio data, video data, image data, text data, and a mixture thereof.

  In the above electronic device, the playback control unit controls playback / stop of each source device according to at least one of a playlist indicating the playback order of content and a request from each source device.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to sequentially reproduce the content according to the playlist, or to reproduce the content according to a request from each source device (for example, a reproduction skip request or an interrupt reproduction request).

  In the above electronic device, when the content is played back by another source device during playback of the content by any source device, the playback control unit issues a stop command to the other source device. Features.

  According to this configuration, when content is played back by another source device during playback of content by an arbitrary source device, the wireless band may be compressed, which can be prevented. .

  The electronic device further includes a link break detection unit that detects a link break of a plurality of source devices, and the playback control unit issues a playback command to a source device other than the source device in which the link break is detected, The target block selection unit is prohibited to select a software block corresponding to a source device in which a broken link is detected.

  According to this configuration, when a broken link of the source device is detected, such as when the source device is taken out of the wireless communication environment or when the power is turned off, the source device for which the broken link is not detected is detected. Since the playback command is issued, the playback of the content is interrupted, and there is no problem that the user is uncomfortable. Further, since the selection of the software block corresponding to the source device in which the broken link is detected is prohibited, it is possible to solve the problem that the reproduction of content is interrupted due to the erroneous selection of the software block.

  In the above electronic device, the playback control unit issues a content output level adjustment command to the source device to be played back.

  According to this configuration, the output level can be adjusted by control from the electronic device side. As a result, effects such as fade-in, fade-out, and cross-fade by a plurality of source devices can be realized.

  In the above electronic device, when two or more source devices are to be played back, the playback control unit determines whether or not a compression command is necessary for each of the source devices, and for the source device determined to be necessary The content compression command is issued.

According to this configuration, when two or more source devices are to be played back, a content compression command is issued as necessary, so that deterioration of the data quality of the content is prevented as much as possible, and compression of the radio band is avoided. Can do.
The application of this configuration is based on the premise that the electronic device has two or more decoding processing units.

  In the above electronic device, the compression command includes a compression rate change command for changing the compression rate of the content according to the output level of the content reproduced by the source device for the source device determined to require the compression command. It is included.

  According to this configuration, since the compression rate is changed according to the output level of the content, for example, the deterioration of the data quality can be made inconspicuous by changing the compression rate in inverse proportion to the output level of the content. Specifically, when the first sound data having a large volume and the second sound data having a small volume are transferred simultaneously, the compression rate of the former is reduced and the compression rate of the latter is increased. It is possible to prevent the user from feeling the deterioration.

  In the above electronic device, the wireless communication is Bluetooth communication, and the plurality of software blocks each have an independent transmission profile and communication protocol.

According to this configuration, the present invention can be applied to a highly versatile Bluetooth device.
If the content is audio data, it is preferable to use A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) as the transmission profile and AVDTP (Audio Video Distribution Transport Protocol) as the communication protocol.

  The content in the speaker of the present invention is audio data, and includes a plurality of software blocks and each unit in the above electronic device, and an audio output unit that functions as a content output unit and outputs audio. .

  According to this configuration, it is possible to realize a speaker capable of quickly switching audio data transferred from a plurality of source devices without degrading sound quality.

  A communication system according to the present invention includes the electronic device described above and a plurality of source devices.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to realize a communication system in which content transferred from a plurality of source devices can be quickly switched by an electronic device serving as a sink device without degrading data quality.

  In the communication system, each source device includes a playlist update request unit that performs a playlist update request including addition and deletion of content to the playlist, and the electronic device responds to the playlist update request from each source device. Therefore, it is characterized by further comprising a playlist update unit for updating the playlist.

  According to this configuration, a playlist can be created / updated by an operation on the source device side. Thereby, for example, the present invention can be applied to uses such as enjoying the reproduction of content by holding source devices by a plurality of people.

  In the above electronic device, each source device further includes a playback request unit that makes a playback request including playback skip and interrupt playback of content, and the playlist update unit displays a playlist according to the playback request from each source device. It is characterized by updating.

  According to this configuration, playback skip and interrupt playback can be performed by an operation on the source device side.

  In the electronic device, the electronic device further includes a playlist transmission unit that transmits the updated playlist to each source device each time the playlist is updated, and each source device displays the transmitted playlist. The display unit is further provided.

  According to this configuration, the user can confirm the playlist by the display unit on the source device side.

  In the above electronic device, each source device includes an entry log storage unit that stores an entry log that is a history of a playlist, an entry log update unit that updates an entry log only when content is added to the playlist, The display unit displays an entry log.

  According to this configuration, by storing the entry log in the source device, the user of the source device confirms and does not own the played content (content name) at a later date (after the playback of the content). Users can view and purchase content.

  A program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute each step in the communication control method for an electronic device.

  By using this program, it is possible to realize a communication control method for an electronic device that can quickly switch content transferred from a plurality of source devices without degrading data quality.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment. It is a control block diagram of a sink device. It is a control block diagram of a source device. It is a functional block diagram of a communication system. It is a conceptual diagram of the profile and protocol by Bluetooth specification. It is an output conceptual diagram of audio streaming. It is a flowchart which shows the reproduction | regeneration operation | movement at the time of the connection with several source devices. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of broken link generation | occurrence | production. It is a screen transition diagram which shows operation of a source device. It is a screen transition diagram which shows operation of a source device. It is a screen transition diagram which shows operation of a source device. It is a screen transition diagram which shows operation of a source device. It is a screen transition diagram which shows operation of a source device. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of the cross fade process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an electronic device, a speaker, a communication system, a communication control method for an electronic device, and a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, a wireless speaker is taken as an example of an electronic device, and a communication system SY that outputs audio data transferred from a plurality of portable music players from the wireless speaker will be described. In the following description, the wireless speaker is referred to as “sink device 1”, and the portable music player is referred to as “source device 2”.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a communication system SY according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the communication system SY includes a sink device 1 that is a wireless speaker, and a source device 2 that performs wireless communication with the sink device 1 based on the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard (in the figure, three units). Portable devices 2a, 2b, and 2c).

  Each source device 2 stores audio data (music content), and a user brings his / her source device 2 to play music. At this time, each source device 2 can perform a music reproduction reservation operation on the sink device 1. The sink device 1 creates a playlist according to the reservation operation by each source device 2, and controls the playback / stop of each source device 2 according to the playlist. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a playback method in which music in each source device 2 is sequentially output as a sound while switching the source device 2 as a playback source, that is, users can listen to the music they own. Hereinafter, such a music reproduction method is referred to as “party reproduction”. Note that each source device 2 not only reserves playback of a song (adding a song to a playlist), but also deletes the song from the playlist, skips the song being played, interrupts playback, and the volume (output) of the sink device 1 Level) adjustment and playback / stop of the music being played can be performed. Details will be described later.

  Note that the sink device 1 of the present embodiment can establish connections with up to three source devices 2 at the same time, but the number thereof is arbitrary. However, in order to maintain the connection with a plurality of source devices 2, a plurality of authentication keys are held, synchronization with each source device and POLL / NULL operation (in order to synchronize with the Bluetooth standard, a POLL signal and a NULL Signal exchanging operation). Moreover, although the portable music player is illustrated as the source device 2 in the same figure, it is not restricted to this, For example, the personal computer and electronic device corresponding to Bluetooth specification may be sufficient.

  Next, the control configuration of the sink device 1 and the source device 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the sink device 1. As shown in the figure, the sink device 1 includes a Bluetooth transmission / reception unit 11, an antenna 12, a DSP unit 13, an audio output unit 14, an operation unit 15, a control unit 16, and a storage unit 17.

  The Bluetooth transmission / reception unit 11 performs wireless communication with each source device 2 via the antenna 12 based on the Bluetooth standard. The DSP unit 13 is a microprocessor for performing audio processing. The DSP unit 13 includes a decoding processing unit that decodes compressed audio data transferred from the source device 2. The audio output unit 14 externally outputs audio data output from the DSP unit 13 as audio, and includes an amplifier and a speaker (both not shown).

  The operation unit 15 performs various operations on the sink device 1 such as power ON / OFF and volume adjustment. The operation unit 15 is realized by an operation key provided on the main body of the sink device 1 or a remote controller. The control unit 16 includes a CPU 16a (Central Processing Unit) and a RAM 16b (Random Access Memory). The CPU 16 a is a central processing unit that performs various arithmetic processes, and controls each unit in the sink device 1 based on a control program and various data stored in the storage unit 17. The RAM 16b is used as a work area when the CPU 16a executes various arithmetic processes.

  The storage unit 17 is configured by a nonvolatile memory, and includes a program area 17a and a data storage area 17b. The program area 17a stores control programs such as a communication control program for performing communication with the source device 2 and a reproduction control program for controlling reproduction / stop of the source device 2. In addition, the data storage area 17b stores various data such as the play list. Note that the playlist may be stored in a volatile memory.

  Next, the control configuration of the source device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The source device 2 includes a Bluetooth transmission / reception unit 21, an antenna 22, a touch panel 23, a control unit 25, and a storage unit 26. The control unit 25 and the storage unit 26 are illustrated in a simplified manner.

  The Bluetooth transmitting / receiving unit 21 performs wireless communication with the sink device 1 via the antenna 22 based on the Bluetooth standard. The touch panel 23 displays various types of information including an operation screen (see FIGS. 9 to 13) for playing music, and functions as an operation unit for the user to perform various operations. The control unit 25 includes a CPU and a RAM (both not shown), and controls each unit in the source device 2.

  The storage unit 26 stores various control programs and various data. As the control program, a dedicated application for realizing party reproduction is stored. The source device 2 can install (download) the dedicated application via the Internet or the like. The storage unit 26 also stores music content for music playback. The music content includes audio data, metadata including information related to music (music artwork, album artwork, etc.), music title name, artist name, album name, genre name, and the like. Is also included. However, audio data is used for music streaming, and “content” in the claims also indicates this audio data. However, if the sink device 1 is provided with a display unit, metadata other than audio data may be transferred from the source device 2, and various information based on the metadata may be displayed on the display unit of the sink device 1. .

  Next, the functional configuration of the communication system SY will be described with reference to FIG. The sink device 1 includes a playlist storage unit 51, a playlist generation / update unit 52, a broken link detection unit 53, a playback control unit 54, a target block selection unit 55, three software blocks 56, a content output, as main functional configurations. Unit 57 and playlist transmission unit 58. Among these, the playlist generation / update unit 52, the link break detection unit 53, the playback control unit 54, the target block selection unit 55, and the software block 56 are mainly configured by the control unit 16 and the storage unit 17 of FIG.

  The playlist storage unit 51 stores the generated playlist, and corresponds to the data storage area 17b in FIG. In the present embodiment, a maximum of 10 songs are held as a playlist. The playlist generation / update unit 52 generates and updates a playlist in accordance with a playlist update request from each source device 2. The playlist update request includes a request regarding addition and deletion of music from the playlist. Also, the playlist generating / updating unit 52 updates the playlist even when there is a playback request (request for music playback skip and interrupt playback) from each source device 2. The playlist generation / update unit 52 also updates the playlist when the music being played ends.

  The broken link detection unit 53 detects the broken link of each source device 2 in the connected state. Possible causes of the broken link include that the source device 2 has been taken out of the wireless communication range, or that the source device 2 has been powered off. Further, when the system of the source device 2 is a single task, a broken link is also detected when the dedicated application is terminated.

  The playback control unit 54 controls playback / stop of each source device 2 according to the playlist stored in the playlist storage unit 51. For example, in the case where “Play 1 song A” and “Source 2 song B” are stored in the playlist, first source device 2 of “source 1” (hereinafter simply referred to as “source 1”). Is then given a reproduction command, and then a reproduction command is given to “source 2”. Also, if “source 2” is reproduced during reproduction of “source 1”, a stop command is issued to “source 2”. As described above, the reproduction control unit 54 performs band control so that the radio band is not compressed by music streaming. As a kind of band control, when audio data is transferred from a plurality of source devices 2, processing for changing the data compression rate is also performed. The compression process will be described in the second embodiment.

  In addition, when a playback request is made from each source device 2, the playback control unit 54 issues an update command to the playlist generation / update unit 52 and performs playback control according to the updated playlist. In addition, when the broken link is detected by the broken link detection unit 53, the reproduction control unit 54 issues a reproduction command to the source device 2 other than the source device 2 in which the broken link is detected, and the target block selecting unit 55. The selection of the software block 56 corresponding to the source device 2 in which the broken link is detected is prohibited.

  The software block 56 is a function for establishing a one-to-one connection with each source device 2 and transmitting audio data received from each source device 2 to the content output unit 57. The sink device 1 of the present embodiment has three software blocks 56. Each software block 56 includes a transmission profile and a communication protocol corresponding to the Bluetooth standard (see FIG. 6). Further, the target block selection unit 55 is a software block corresponding to the source device 2 to be reproduced (hereinafter referred to as “target block”) from among these three software blocks 56 based on the control of the reproduction control unit 54. Select. The target block selection unit 55 and the four software blocks 56 are hereinafter referred to as a “transmission processing unit 50”.

  The content output unit 57 outputs the audio data transmitted by the target block, and corresponds to the audio output unit 14 in FIG. In the present embodiment, the content output unit 57 is provided in the sink device 1. However, the content output unit 57 may be provided separately. That is, a configuration in which an amplifier or a speaker is externally connected and a configuration in which the sink device 1 functions as a receiver may be employed.

  The playlist transmission unit 58 is mainly configured by the Bluetooth transmission / reception unit 11 and the antenna 12. When the playlist generation / update unit 52 updates the playlist, the playlist transmission unit 58 transmits the updated playlist to each source device 2 in the connected state. Send. In other words, when any source device 2 adds or deletes a song from the playlist, skips playback, or performs an interrupt playback operation, the updated playlist is transmitted to each source device 2. At this time, only the changed playlist difference may be transmitted.

  On the other hand, the source device 2 includes a playlist update request unit 61, a playback request unit 62, a content playback unit 63, a content transmission unit 64, a playlist reception / update unit 65, a playlist storage unit 66, an entry as main functional configurations. A log update unit 67, an entry log storage unit 68, and a display unit 69 are provided. Among these, the playlist update request unit 61, the reproduction request unit 62, the content reproduction unit 63, the playlist reception / update unit 65, and the entry log update unit 67 are mainly realized by the control unit 25 and the storage unit 26.

  The playlist update request unit 61 makes a playlist update request including addition and deletion of music to the playlist to the sink device 1. In addition, the playback request unit 62 makes a playback request including playback skip and interrupt playback of music to the sink device 1.

  The content reproduction unit 63 reproduces music based on a reproduction command from the sink device 1 (reproduction control unit 54) and a playlist stored in the playlist storage unit 66. That is, for each playback command from the sink device 1, a song corresponding to the source device 2 stored in the playlist (a song reserved by the source device 2 and the code in the reservation list screen shown in FIG. 10D11). Tunes 107) are sequentially played back. Note that music identification information (information specifying music content in the storage unit 26) may be acquired from the sink device 1 together with the reproduction command, and the music may be reproduced based on the music identification information.

  The content transmission unit 64 is mainly realized by the Bluetooth transmission / reception unit 21 and the antenna 22, and transmits the audio data reproduced by the content reproduction unit 63 to the sink device 1 during party reproduction. In addition, when it is not at the time of party reproduction (when the dedicated application is not activated and another music reproduction application is activated), the content transmission unit 64 does not transmit audio data. In this case, the audio data reproduced by the content reproduction unit 63 is output from an audio output unit (not shown) provided in the source device 2.

  The playlist reception / update unit 65 receives the playlist transmitted from the playlist transmission unit 58 of the sink device 1 and updates the playlist in the playlist storage unit 66. The playlist is updated only while the dedicated application is activated, and is updated when the content of the playlist on the sink device 1 changes.

  The entry log update unit 67 updates the entry log in the entry log storage unit 68. The entry log is a history of a play list and can hold a maximum of 1000 songs. The entry log is updated only while the dedicated application is activated, and is updated at the playlist update timing (however, only when a song not stored in the entry log storage unit 68 is added) ). In addition, when participating in the middle of the party playback, the playlist information (up to 10 songs) stored in the sink device 1 is stored in the entry log storage unit 68.

  The display unit 69 corresponds to the touch panel 23 in FIG. 3 and displays an operation screen for a dedicated application. Further, the playlist in the playlist storage unit 66 and the entry log in the entry log storage unit 68 are displayed on the operation screen of the dedicated application (see FIGS. 9 to 13).

  Next, audio data transmission processing in the sink device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of profiles and protocols according to the Bluetooth standard. Of the profiles and protocols shown in the figure, those mainly related to the present embodiment are Baseband layer 71, Link Manager Protocol (LMP) 72, Logical Link Control & Adaptation Protocol (L2CAP) 73, Audio Video Distribution Transport (AVDTP). Protocol (75), A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) 76, AVRCP (Audio / Video Remote Control Profile) 81, and SPP (Serial Port Profile) 82. That is, the sink device 1 and the source device 2 support at least these profiles and protocols.

  FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of output of audio streaming in the sink device 1. As shown in the figure, the audio data received by the Bluetooth transmitting / receiving unit 11 is transmitted toward the DSP unit 13 via the software stack 70 and the selector 78. Note that the software stack 70 and the selector 78 correspond to the transmission processing unit 50 described above, and perform transmission processing under the control of the control unit 16. The software stack 70 transmits the received audio data in the order of LC (Link Controller) 21a, LMP 72, and L2CAP 73, and inputs them to each software block 56 (56a, 56b, 56c). In practice, AVRCP81 (profile for realizing the remote control function of AV devices) and SPP82 (profile for making Bluetooth devices into virtual serial ports) are mounted on L2CAP 73, but illustration is omitted. To do.

  The LC 21a exists under the Baseband layer 71 and is responsible for frame encoding / decoding and flow control. The LMP 72 establishes connection with the source device 2 and controls connection. It should be noted that the detection of broken link is also performed by the LMP 72. The L2CAP 73 is a protocol for setting a data transmission path (logical channel) with the source device 2.

  Each software block 56 consists of AVDTP75 and A2DP76. AVDTP 75 is a communication protocol for transmitting an AV stream. A2DP 76 is a transmission profile for transmitting audio to the audio output unit 14. The three software blocks 56a, 56b, and 56c shown in the figure correspond to the source devices 2a, 2b, and 2c (corresponding to each other by connection permission). Therefore, for example, when the selector 78 selects the software block 56a as a target block to be played back, the audio data transferred from the source device 2a is output to the DSP unit 13 via the software block 56a and from the audio output unit 14. Is output.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7, a reproduction operation when connected to a plurality of source devices 2 will be described. In the following flowchart, the sink device 1 will be mainly described unless otherwise specified (the same applies to FIGS. 8 and 14). As shown in FIG. 7, the sink device 1 starts permitting connection with each source device 2 (S12) when an environment in which the sink device 1 can be connected to each source device 2 is prepared (S11). Specifically, pairing is performed with each source device 2 (S13), A2DP76 is opened, and it is determined whether or not each source device 2 is in a reproduction state (S15). If playback is in progress (S15: Yes), a stop command is issued (S16), connection permission with each source device 2 is terminated (S17), and a playback wait state (S18) is entered. As described above, by executing the processes of S15 and S16, even when the portable music player that starts playback immediately after the opening of the A2DP 76 is used as the source device 2, the playback standby state (S18) can be created. It is assumed that a play list reservation operation has been performed from each source device 2 during the reproduction waiting state (S18) and a play list has been created, and the following description will be given.

  The sink device 1 determines to which source device 2 the reproduction command is to be issued based on the playlist (S19). For example, if it is determined that a reproduction command is to be issued for “source 1” (S19: source 1), a reproduction command is issued for “source 1” (S20), and the software block 56 corresponding to “source 1” Is selected (S21). If another source device 2 is in a playback state during playback of “source 1” (S22: Yes), it is determined whether or not it is “source 2” (S23). If it is “2” (S23: Yes), a stop command is issued to “source 2” (S24). Similarly, it is determined whether or not the source device 2 in the playback state is “source 3” (S25). If it is “source 3” (S25: Yes), stop for “source 3”. A command is issued (S26). The stop command is issued using a profile other than the A2DP76 on the Bluetooth standard such as AVRCP81 or SPP82, or a communication method based on a different wireless standard such as LAN or infrared.

  On the other hand, if the other source device 2 is not in a playback state during playback of “source 1” (S22: No), playback continues until playback of “source 1” ends or is interrupted (S27). Thereafter, the reproduction wait state is entered (S18). Since it is the same as the process of “source 1” after S21, the case where it is determined that the reproduction command is issued to “source 2” and “source 3” (S19: source 2, source 3) will be described. Is omitted. In addition, music streaming with each source device 2 is realized by the processes of S20 to S27.

  Next, the operation when a link break occurs will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, a description is given on the assumption that links with a plurality of source devices 2 are connected, and a playback command is issued to any one of the source devices 2 to start playback of music. When the sink device 1 detects that the link of the source device 2 being played is disconnected (S31, link break detection unit 53), the playback control unit 54 registers the source device 2 with the broken link from the playlist. And the target block selection unit 55 performs control to disable selection of the software block 56 corresponding to the source device 2 with the broken link (S32).

  Thereafter, the playlist storage unit 51 is referred to determine whether or not there is a song to be played from the source device 2 other than the source device 2 having the broken link (S33). (S33: Yes), a reproduction command is issued to the target source device 2 (S34). If there is no music to be played (S33: No), the process is terminated. On the other hand, even when the link being played is not detected (S31: No) and the music being played is ended (S35: Yes), the processing is ended as it is.

  In the above flowchart, the case of detecting the broken link for the source device 2 being played back has been described. However, the broken link of each connected source device 2 can be detected regardless of whether or not the music is being played back. (Link break detection unit 53). Also in this case, when there is a registration related to the broken source device 2 in the playlist, the reproduction control unit 54 deletes the registration and disables selection of the software block 56 corresponding to the broken source device 2. Control.

  Next, operations on the source device 2 side will be described with reference to the screen transition diagrams of FIGS. These show the display on the touch panel 23 of the source device 2. A screen denoted by reference numeral D01 (hereinafter simply referred to as “screen D **”) is an initial screen immediately after starting the dedicated application. On the initial screen, a party area 101 for playing a party and a history area 102 for displaying an entry log are displayed.

  When the party area 101 is touched in a state where the party reproduction is not performed, the mode selection screen 103 is displayed as shown in the screen D02. When the party area 101 is touched during party playback, the screen transitions to the screen D11 (see FIG. 10). On the mode selection screen 103, one of three options “reservation mode”, “auto (shuffle) mode”, and “CANCEL” can be selected. Here, the “reservation mode” is a mode for the user himself to select a music and make a music playback reservation, and the “auto mode” is a mode for playing a music automatically selected by the source device 2. It is. If “CANCEL” is selected, the screen returns to the screen D01.

  When “reservation mode” or “auto mode” is selected on the screen D02, a screen switching display (screen D03) is performed, and a screen (screen D04) indicating that the reservation mode is entered or the auto mode is entered. Transition to one of the screens (screen D05) that displays a message to that effect. Which mode to transition to is based on the selection of the person who first selected the mode. That is, when the person who first selects the mode selects “reservation mode” in the state before party reproduction, the screen transitions to screen D04, and when “auto mode” is selected, the screen transitions to screen D05. Note that the source device 2 communicates with the sink device 1 when the mode is selected, and acquires the current mode information from the sink device 1, thereby determining which mode to transition to.

  Here, when the auto mode is entered, the auto mode reservation list (play list) screen is displayed (D07) through the screen switching display (screen D06). In the auto mode, only one piece of music can be registered for one source device 2, and therefore, in this embodiment, up to three songs can be registered. Moreover, the number of automatic music selections may register a plurality of music pieces. The registration operation (reservation operation) will be described later. In the figure, reference numeral 104 indicates a home button for returning to the initial screen (screen D01), and reference numeral 107 displayed in each music display area indicates that the music is reserved by the source device 2 itself. Yes. In each music display area, music artwork, artist name, music title name, and the like are displayed.

  On the other hand, when the reservation mode is entered, after the screen D04, a reservation mode reservation list screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 10 (screen D11). In the same screen, reference numeral 105 denotes an edit button for performing various edits, and reference numeral 108 denotes an add button for adding a music piece. The music being played in the reservation list is displayed in different colors as indicated by reference numeral 106. In addition, a reservation list button 111, a playing button 112, and a control button 113 are displayed at the bottom of the screen. Note that the screen D11 shows a state in which the reservation list button 111 is selected.

  When the add button 108 is touched on the screen D11, a transition is made to the reservation screen (screen D12). In the same screen, reference numeral 121 denotes a return button for returning to the previous screen. The button group 122 at the bottom of the screen is used for selecting whether to display the music in the order of the playlist name, artist name, song name, album name, or the like. When “Other” is selected, the target music can be selected from the reproduction history, favorites, and the like. This screen shows a case where “Artist” is selected from the button group 122.

  When an arbitrary piece of music is selected on the screen D12 (when the music display area is touched), a process selection screen 123 is displayed as shown on the screen D13. On the process selection screen 123, any one of three options “reservation”, “interrupt”, and “CANCEL” can be selected. Here, when “reservation” is selected, music is added to the end of the reservation list, as shown in screen D14. When “interrupt” is selected on the process selection screen 123, the music is added to the beginning of the reservation list as shown in the screen D15. When these operations are performed, the operation result is transmitted to the sink device 1 and the playlist in the sink device 1 is updated. When “CANCEL” is selected on the process selection screen 123, the screen returns to the screen D12. When “interrupt” is selected on the process selection screen 123, the sink device 1 issues a stop command to the source device 2 that is the playback source of the music being played, and then selects the source that has selected “interrupt”. A reproduction command is issued to the device 2.

  Next, the reservation list deleting operation will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, when the edit button 105 is touched on the screen D11, a transition is made to a reservation list edit screen (screen D16) (a head mark 109 is displayed for each music piece), and a head mark of an arbitrary music piece is displayed. When 109 is touched and the delete button 110 of the same music is touched again with the head mark 109 rotated 90 degrees (screen D17), the music is deleted from the reservation list (screen D18). On the screen D18, when the completion button 119 is touched, as shown in the screen D19, the screen returns to the reservation list screen. When the music deletion operation is performed as shown in the screens D16 to D18, when the completion button 119 is touched, the operation result is transmitted to the sink device 1, and the play in the sink device 1 is performed. The list is updated. When the completion button 119 is touched in the state of the screen D16 or the screen D17, the reservation list is not changed and the screen returns to the screen D11.

  Next, a case where a button other than the reservation list button 111 at the bottom of the reservation list screen is selected will be described. When the Playing button 112 is selected on the reservation list screen (for example, the state of the screen D11), the Playing screen (screen D21) is displayed. The Playing screen displays a progress bar 114 indicating the progress of playback and a skip button 115 for making a skip request in addition to the artwork, song title name, album name, artist name, and genre name associated with the song. Here, when the skip button 115 is selected, a skip request is made to the sink device 1, and the music being played is skipped (play list is updated).

  When the control button 113 is selected on the reservation list screen, the control screen (screen D31) is displayed. The control screen includes a power OFF button 116 for turning off the power of the sink device 1, a control key group 117 (function switching, etc.) for performing various operations on the sink device 1, and a volume button 118 for adjusting the volume of the sink device 1. Is displayed.

  Next, entry log display will be described. When the history area 102 is touched on the screen D01 shown in FIG. 9, a transition is made to the history screen as shown on the screen D41 in FIG. The history screen is a screen for displaying an entry log. When the edit button 105 is touched in the state of the screen D41, a transition is made to a history edit screen (screen D42) (a head mark 109 is displayed for each song). Further, when the head mark 109 of an arbitrary music piece is touched on the history editing screen, the head mark 109 is rotated 90 degrees, and the delete button 110 is displayed (screen D43). When the delete button 110 is touched in this state (screen D44), the music is deleted from the entry log (screen D45). When the completion button 119 is touched on the screen D45, the screen returns to the history screen as shown on the screen D46. When the completion button 119 is touched on the screens D42 and D43, and when the completion button 119 is touched before the deletion button 110 is touched on the screen D44, the entry log is not changed. Return to screen D41.

  The entry log can be rearranged. As shown in FIG. 13, in the state of the screen D41, when the edit button 105 is touched and the history edit screen (screen D51) is displayed, the slide operation is performed on the rearrangement button 130 displayed on the right side of the music information. Is performed (when the finger is touched on the rearrangement button 130 and is slid upward) (screen D51), the music display position moves upward (screen D52). When the completion button 119 is touched in the state of the screen D51, the entry log is not rearranged and the screen returns to the screen D41.

  You can also jump to the music sales site from the entry log. For example, when an arbitrary music piece is selected on the screen D41, a transition is made to the Tag Search screen (screen D61). On the Tag Search screen, the artist name and title name of the selected music are automatically entered as search keywords, and the corresponding music and album are displayed in a list. When an arbitrary music piece is selected on the Tag Search screen, an application end screen 131 is displayed as shown in a screen D62. When the Back button 126 is selected on the Tag Search screen, the screen returns to the screen D41.

  On the application end screen 131, a message asking whether the application can be ended is displayed, as well as “YES” and “NO” options. Here, when “YES” is selected, the page jumps to the music sales site and displays a page where the selected music can be purchased (screen D63). On this page, in addition to the selected music, another music title of the artist is displayed and can be purchased. When “NO” is selected on the application end screen 131, the screen returns to the screen D61.

  In the above example, it is possible to jump from the Tag Search screen to the music sales site, but it may be possible to jump to various sites such as jumping to a music viewing site or an artist's personal site. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which can select either from several jump destination candidates.

  As described above, according to the communication system SY of the present embodiment, the sink device 1 includes a plurality of software blocks 56 for establishing a wireless communication connection with a plurality of source devices 2 on a one-to-one basis. Thus, it is possible to realize continuous connection with a plurality of source devices 2. This eliminates the need for an authentication procedure even when the music is switched between different source devices 2, so that the music can be switched smoothly. In addition, in order to realize simultaneous connection with a plurality of source devices 2, a hardware configuration such as a plurality of receiving modules is not required, so that an increase in device cost can be suppressed. Furthermore, in order to control the playback / stop of each source device 2 on the sink device 1 side, a plurality of audio data are simultaneously transferred from a plurality of source devices 2 to compress the wireless band, and sound breaks out. Can solve problems such as

  In addition, since a constant connection with a plurality of source devices 2 can be realized, even when a link break of the source device 2 is detected, a reproduction command can be quickly issued to another source device 2. Therefore, the reproduction of the music is interrupted by the broken link, and the user is not uncomfortable.

  Further, since the playlist can be created on the sink device 1 side based on the operation of each source device 2, it is possible to realize party playback in which everyone holds the source device 2 and plays music. Each source device 2 can perform various operations on the sink device 1 in addition to skip playback and interrupt playback, and can be used as a remote controller of the sink device 1. Further, since each source device 2 stores an entry log that is a history of a playlist, it is possible to access a music sales site based on this. As a result, further development of the business model can be expected, such as purchasing music that the user listened to during party playback or viewing it on a video viewing site.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the first embodiment, basically, only one source device 2 is set as a playback target. However, in the present embodiment, two or more source devices 2 are set as playback targets. Only differences from the first embodiment will be described below. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Moreover, the modification applied about the component similar to 1st Embodiment is applied similarly about this embodiment.

  The control configuration and functional configuration of the communication system SY according to the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. However, in the present embodiment, the following configuration is assumed. The source device 2 (content transmission unit 64) according to the present embodiment transmits a currently playing music end signal to the sink device 1 when the music being played is remaining for a predetermined time (about several seconds). . Also, the playback control unit 54 of the sink device 1 issues a sound data volume adjustment command (output level adjustment command) to the source device 2 to be played. Further, in order to perform simultaneous audio streaming by a plurality of source devices 2, a band control process including a compression command is performed. Furthermore, the sink device 1 (DSP unit 13) includes two or more decoding processing units as a control configuration. In the present embodiment, with these configurations, two music pieces can be played back simultaneously, and a cross-fade process at the time of switching of music pieces can be realized.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the sink device 1 during the cross fade process. Here, it is assumed that “source 1” and “source 2” are in a link connection and “source 1” is in a reproducing state. When the sink device 1 receives the music end signal being played from “source 1” (S41: Yes), the sink device 1 determines whether or not two audio streaming is possible without compression (S42). That is, it is determined whether or not a compression command is necessary when receiving audio data from the two source devices 2. If it is determined that two audio streams can be performed without compression (S42: Yes), the bandwidth control process is omitted and streaming from “source 2” is started (S43).

  If it is determined that two audio streams are not possible without compression (S42: No), the compression rate for simultaneous audio streaming is determined (S44), and compression is performed for "source 1" and "source 2". A rate change command is issued (S45, S46). On the other hand, “source 1” and “source 2” start streaming with the compression ratio changed. As described above, S44 to S46 are the band control process. Thereafter (after S43, S45, S46), the crossfade process is started (S47).

  In the crossfade process, “source 1” is instructed to gradually decrease the volume, and “source 2” is instructed to gradually increase the volume (output level adjustment instruction). After that, it is determined whether or not the cross-fade processing has been completed (S48). If it has been completed (S48: Yes), it is determined whether or not the streaming of “source 2” is uncompressed (S49) and is not uncompressed In this case (S49: No), an uncompressed instruction is executed for "source 2" (S50). Thereafter, uncompressed streaming is started from “source 2”. If the streaming of “source 2” is uncompressed (S49: Yes), the process is terminated without executing the uncompressed instruction. At this time, “source 1” and “source 2” are in link connection, and “source 2” is in a state of being reproduced without being compressed.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, when two or more source devices 2 are to be reproduced, audio data (audio streaming) is instructed to be compressed as necessary, so that deterioration of sound quality is prevented. However, pressure on the radio band can be avoided. Furthermore, since the volume of each source device 2 can be adjusted by control from the sink device 1 side, a crossfade by two source devices 2 can be realized.

  In S47 of the above flowchart, the cross fade is realized by gradually decreasing / upsetting the volume of “source 1” and “source 2”. However, the constant volume received on the sink device 1 side. An equivalent effect may be realized by performing a mix process on the streaming.

  Further, in S44 of the above flowchart, a compression rate changing process corresponding to the volume of each audio streaming may be performed. For example, it is conceivable to change the compression rate in inverse proportion to the output level of each audio streaming. Thereby, it is possible to perform the cross-fade process without causing the user to feel the deterioration of the sound quality.

  In the above flowchart, the crossfade process at the time of switching music is shown, but the process of this embodiment can be applied not only when switching music but also when mixing music.

  Although two embodiments have been described above, the following modifications may be adopted. For example, in the above embodiment, a wireless speaker is illustrated as the sink device 1, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to other audio output devices such as a headset. In addition, this embodiment can be applied not only to an audio output device but also to an electronic device capable of wireless communication with a plurality of source devices 2. For example, if the source device 2 can transfer video content, a display device (TV, projector, etc.) can be applied as the sink device 1. The sink device 1 may receive various files (text file, image file, etc.) from the source device 2 and display them. Further, the means for the sink device 1 to output the content may be transmission by e-mail or data communication in addition to audio output and display. Further, the sink device 1 is not necessarily an information output device, and may be a simple data transmission device. That is, the sink device 1 of the present embodiment may be applied to an electronic device (receiver) that transmits audio data, video data, text data, image data, and the like to another device.

  In the above embodiment, the playlist storage unit 51 is provided inside the sink device 1. However, the playlist storage unit 51 may be provided outside the sink device 1. Similarly, the source device 2 may include a content playback unit 63, a playlist storage unit 66, an entry log storage unit 68, a display unit 69, and the like.

  In the above embodiment, AVDTP75, A2DP76, and the like are illustrated as protocols and profiles supported by the sink device 1 and the source device 2. However, when other protocols and profiles are supported, they are the same as in this embodiment. It is possible to control with this procedure.

  In the above-described embodiment, Bluetooth has been described as an example of the wireless communication method. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other wireless communication methods can also be applied.

  Moreover, it is possible to provide each part and each function in the communication system SY (sink device 1 or source device 2) shown in each embodiment as a program. Further, the program can be provided by being stored in various recording media (CD-ROM, flash memory, etc.). That is, a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the sink device 1 or the source device 2 and a recording medium recording the program are also included in the scope of the right of the present invention. In addition, the system configuration of the communication system SY, the device configurations of the sink device 1 and the source device 2, the processing steps, and the like can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Sink device 2 ... Source device 13 ... DSP part 14 ... Audio | voice output part 15 ... Operation part 16 ... Control part 17 ... Memory | storage part 23 ... Touch panel 25 ... Control part 26 ... Memory | storage part 50 ... Transmission processing part 70 ... Software stack 78 ... selector SY ... communication system

Claims (16)

An electronic device capable of wireless communication with a plurality of source devices having a content playback function,
A plurality of software blocks having a function for transmitting the content received from each source device to a content output unit, and establishing a wireless communication connection with each of the plurality of source devices;
A playback control unit for controlling playback / stop of each source device;
A target block selection unit that selects a target block that is a software block corresponding to the source device to be played from among the plurality of software blocks based on the control of the playback control unit;
The content output unit outputs the content transmitted by the target block.   2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the playback control unit controls playback / stop of each source device according to at least one of a playlist indicating a playback order of the content and a request from each source device. 3. machine.   When the content is played back by another source device during playback of the content by any source device, the playback control unit issues a stop command to the other source device. The electronic device according to claim 1. A link break detection unit for detecting a link break of the plurality of source devices;
The playback control unit issues a playback command to a source device other than the source device in which the broken link is detected, and the target block selection unit selects the software block corresponding to the source device in which the broken link is detected. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is prohibited.   The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction control unit issues an output level adjustment command for the content to the source device to be reproduced.   When two or more of the source devices are to be played, the playback control unit determines whether or not a compression command is necessary for each of the source devices. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a compression command is issued.   The compression command includes a compression rate change command for changing the compression rate of the content according to the output level of the content reproduced by the source device for the source device determined to be necessary for the compression command. The electronic apparatus according to claim 6. The wireless communication is Bluetooth communication,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of software blocks has an independent transmission profile and communication protocol. The content is audio data,
The plurality of software blocks and each unit in the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
An audio output unit that functions as the content output unit and outputs audio.   A communication system comprising the electronic device according to claim 2 and the plurality of source devices. Each source device
A playlist update request unit that performs a playlist update request including addition and deletion of the content to the playlist;
The electronic device is
The communication system according to claim 10, further comprising a playlist update unit that updates the playlist according to the playlist update request from each source device. Each source device
A playback request unit for making a playback request including playback skip and interrupt playback of the content;
The communication system according to claim 11, wherein the playlist update unit updates the playlist in accordance with the reproduction request from each source device. The electronic device is
For each update of the playlist, further comprising a playlist transmission unit that transmits the updated playlist to each source device,
Each source device
The communication system according to claim 11, further comprising a display unit that displays the transmitted playlist. Each source device
An entry log storage unit for storing an entry log which is a history of the playlist;
An entry log update unit that updates the entry log only when the content is added to the playlist; and
The communication system according to claim 13, wherein the display unit displays the entry log. A communication control method for an electronic device capable of wireless communication with a plurality of source devices having a content reproduction function,
The electronic device is
A function for transmitting the content received from each source device to a content output unit, and a plurality of software blocks for establishing a one-to-one wireless communication connection with each of the plurality of source devices,
A playback control process for controlling playback / stop of each source device;
Based on the control of the playback control step, a target block selection step of selecting a target block that is a software block corresponding to the source device to be played from the plurality of software blocks;
And a content output step of outputting the content transmitted by the target block by the content output unit.   A program for causing a computer to execute each step in the electronic device communication control method according to claim 15.

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