WO2006137339A1

WO2006137339A1 - Content reproducing system

Info

Publication number: WO2006137339A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/312129
Authority: WO
Inventors: Takehiko Yasuda
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-06-22
Filing date: 2006-06-16
Publication date: 2006-12-28
Also published as: JP2007004404A

Abstract

In Conventional music delivery systems, the user can select a musical composition which the user likes according to the results of analysis of the feature and tone of the musical compositions so as to obtain the musical composition. However, in the systems, musical compositions are listed and only the list is presented, and what tones the musical the musical compositions have is not shown. In view of the above problem, a content reproducing system comprising a server device for transmitting symbol image information and content identification information associated with the symbol image information to a client device, and the client device for outputting the received symbol image information and selecting a content to be reproduced according to the outputted symbol image information is proposed. With this, a symbol image corresponding to the musical tone and substance of the content without requiring the user to preform special operation is displayed.

Description

Specification

Content playback system technology

[0001] The present invention relates to a content reproduction system.

Background art

[0002] Prior art already exists for music distribution systems that allow users to make selections based on the analysis results of music characteristics and tunes in order to obtain their favorite music (patents). Reference 1).

Patent Document 1: JP 2001-297093 A

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0003] However, in the above music distribution system, the music is only presented in a list, and it is not possible to tell what the tone of each music is.

Means for solving the problem

In view of such circumstances, the present invention relates to a server device that transmits symbol image information to a client device in association with content identification information, and outputs received symbol image information and is based on the output symbol image information. A content playback system having a client device that can select content to be played back is proposed. Further, when content is being played back on the client device, status information that is information indicating the status of playback may be acquired and uploaded to the server device. Furthermore, image information created by the client device may be acquired and uploaded to the server device.

[0005] In addition, status information indicating a playback status may be uploaded in association with client identification information. Client identification information can be used to identify the client device or user and perform authentication processing to determine whether or not the user has the authority to upload various types of information. Further, the user can specify client identification information of a specific celebrity from the client device, and can output a transmission command of symbol image information to the server device. further The server device can generate billing information based on the client identification information. The invention's effect

[0006] As described above, the content reproduction system according to any one or more of the present invention, the symbol image information transmitted from the server device is output by the client device, Even if you have never watched the content, you can visually recognize the content image. Further, since the symbol image information is transmitted from the server device, it can be used even when the client device does not have the symbol image information.

[0007] Further, when content is played back on the client device, status information that is information indicating the status of playback is acquired and uploaded to the server device. Since the situation information is assumed to indicate the optimum situation for reproducing the content, the symbol image is accurately obtained. Furthermore, when image information created by the client device is acquired and uploaded to the server device, the image created by the user can be transmitted from the server device to another client device. At this time, by acquiring a large number of image information from a plurality of client devices, variations of symbol images can be expanded and the accuracy of the image indicated by the symbol image information can be expected to be improved.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram for explaining the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram for explaining the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a processing flow in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the flow of hardware processing in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram for explaining the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a processing flow in the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram for explaining the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a processing flow in the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram for explaining the fourth embodiment. 11] A diagram for explaining the processing flow in the embodiment 4.

12] Functional block diagram for explaining the embodiment 5

13] A diagram for explaining the flow of processing in the embodiment 5.

Explanation of symbols

0300 content playback system

0310 Server device

0311 B, Bol image information holding part

0312 B, Bol image information transmitter

0320 Client device

0321, Bol image information receiver

0322, Bol image information output section

0323 z number selector

0324 / Ten player

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] The best mode for carrying out each invention will be described below. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be carried out in various modes without departing from the gist thereof.

[0011] The first embodiment will mainly describe claims 1 and 9. In the second embodiment, claims 2 to 5 will be mainly described. The third embodiment will mainly describe claim 6 and the like. The fourth embodiment will mainly describe claim 7 and the like. The fifth embodiment will mainly describe claim 8 and the like.

[0012] Kuku embodiment 1 >>>

<Embodiment 1: Overview> Embodiment 1 will be described. In the present embodiment, a server device that associates symbol image information with content identification information and transmits it to a client device, and a client device that can output received symbol image information and select content to be reproduced based on the output symbol image information Is a content reproduction system having

FIG. 1 shows an example of the concept of the present embodiment. This embodiment shows the present embodiment 2 shows a part of the display screen of the server device and the client device. The server device transmits symbol image information to the client device in association with the content identification information. The client device outputs the received symbol image information. For example, as shown in the figure, it is assumed that a symbol image composed of symbol image information is displayed in a thumbnail format. At this time, the ability to specify the attribute information such as the title of the content from the content identification information associated with the symbol image may be displayed in association with the attribute information of the content and the symbol image. By selecting a symbol image or content title, the selected content is played back.

<Common to Embodiments: Hardware Configuration> FIG. 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the client device according to the present invention. The constituent elements of the present invention are constituted by hardware, software, or both hardware and software. For example, as an example for realizing these, hardware composed of a CPU, memory (DRAM, ROM), bus, I / O controller, peripheral device, etc., and software that can be executed on these hardware are included. Can be mentioned. Specifically, by sequentially executing the program expanded on the memory, the data of the memory and the data input via the I / O controller can be processed, stored, output, etc. Function is realized.

<Embodiment 1: Configuration> FIG. 3 shows an example of functional blocks in the present embodiment. The “content reproduction system” (0300) of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 3 includes a “server device” (0310) and a “client device” (0320). The server device (0310) includes a “symbol image information holding unit” (0311) and a “symbol image information transmission unit” (0312). The client device (0320) includes a “symbol image information reception unit”. (0321), “symbol image information output unit” (0322), “content selection unit” (0323), and “content reproduction unit” (0324).

The “content reproduction system” (0300) is a system including a server device (0310), which will be described later, and a client device (0320). First, the server device (0310) will be described.

The “symbol image information holding unit” (0311) holds symbol image information in association with content identification information. “Symbol image information” is a symbol that represents the content image. This is information for constructing a Bol image. The image of the content represented by the symbol image information may include an image that expresses the emotions of the person that arises based on the content. For example, a song that is energetic, a song that feels sad, a song that is exciting, Examples of songs that have been played or intense. In addition, the image of the content represented by the symbol image information may include an image representing a scene that is appropriate for the content to be played, such as a song suitable for a sunny day, listening in spring. You can exemplify songs that you want and songs that are suitable for the morning. At this time, the symbol image information corresponds to a file such as JPG, BMP, GIF, or MPG. Further, the symbol image information may be identification information for specifying a held symbol image. The stored symbol image information is assumed to be written by general users or specific experts (eg, DJs, movie critics, etc.). Further, the symbol image information is not limited to information for configuring a still image, but may be information for configuring a moving image. “Content identification information” is information for uniquely identifying content. A plurality of symbol image information may be associated with one content (content identification information).

The symbol image information holding unit is configured by a hard disk, a memory, or the like. Accepts and holds input of symbol image information from outside via 1 / O controller.

The “symbol image information transmitting unit” (0312) transmits the symbol image information held in the symbol image information holding unit (0311) to the client device in association with the content identification information. For example, when an image representing human emotion generated based on the content specified by the content identification information “ID: 074” is “healing”, this is transmitted as symbol image information in association with the content identification information. The transmission may be performed based on a transmission command from the client device, execution of a periodic transmission program of the server device, or when symbol image information is added (updated).

[0020] The symbol image information transmitting unit transmits symbol image information to the client device via the I / O controller. At this time, it is assumed that a transmission interface such as an Internet line, a public telephone line, a dedicated line, or a wireless (such as mail) line is used.

[0021] "Client device" (0320) corresponds to various devices having a display screen. Devices (cell phones, PDAs, etc.), car navigation systems, and audio devices. The configuration of the client device will be described below.

The “symbol image information receiving unit” (0321) receives symbol image information transmitted from the server device. Since the symbol image information is transmitted in association with the content identification information, the symbol image information allows the content specified by the content identification information to express what emotion, performance in which scene, etc. Can recognize whether it is appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 2, the client device receives symbol image information associated with the content identification information from the server device via the I / O controller. The received symbol image information is stored in a memory such as a hard disk or DRAM.

The “symbol image information output unit” (0322) outputs the symbol image information received by the symbol image information reception unit (0321). The output of the symbol image information is assumed to display a symbol image composed of the symbol image information in a thumbnail format. At this time, the attribute S such as the title of the content is identified from the content identification information associated with the symbol image S, and the attribute information of the content and the symbol image may be displayed in association with each other. ,.

[0025] When a plurality of pieces of symbol image information are associated with one content identification information, a symbol image composed of the plurality of pieces of symbol image information may be displayed in a slideshow format. . The display in the slideshow format is a method of displaying and outputting the symbol images by sequentially switching them every predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) when displaying a plurality of symbol images.

As shown in FIG. 2, the received symbol image information is temporarily stored in DRAM or the like and sent to the drawing LSI in accordance with an output command or the like. The drawing LSI draws a symbol image based on the symbol image information and displays it on the display. At this time, the symbol image information may be processed depending on the hardware specification.

The “content selection unit” (0323) performs processing for selecting content to be played back based on the symbol image information output from the symbol image information output unit (0322). To select a content, the displayed symbol image, content title, etc. This is done by operating a button (such as a numeric keypad or pointing device such as a mouse) or touching the touch panel panel.

[0028] When the selection process is executed based on the touch panel selection program, as shown in FIG. 2, when the user touches the display and selects content, information on the touched area is displayed. Command force including selection lZ ○ Transmitted to the CPU via the controller. Content identification information is identified from the information of the touched area, and a content entity file is executed to play back the content.

The “content playback unit” (0324) performs processing for playing back content. Mainly plays the selected content. When the content is audio, the speaker is activated. When the content is video, the screen and speaker are activated. When the content is a program, the computer resources are activated.

[0030] Based on the execution of the content entity file, as shown in Fig. 2, the D / A conversion circuit is operated via the IZO controller, and the data converted into analog is amplified by the amplifier and output from the speaker. The

Embodiment 1: Process Flow 1> FIG. 4 shows an example of the process flow of the content reproduction method in the content reproduction system of the first embodiment. First, symbol image information for constructing a symbol image representing an image of content held in the server device is transmitted to the client device in association with the content identification information (symbol image information transmission step S0401). Next, the client device receives the symbol image information transmitted in the symbol image information transmission step (S0401) (symbol image information reception step S0402). Next, the symbol image information received in the symbol image information receiving step (S0402) is output (symbol image information output step S0403). Further, a process for selecting a content to be reproduced based on the symbol image information output in the symbol image information output step (S0403) is performed (content selection step S0404). At this time, if no selection has been made, the content selection step (S0404) is repeated. Finally, processing for reproducing the content is performed (content reproduction step S0405).

[0032] The above processing can be executed by a program for causing a computer to execute, This program can be recorded on a recording medium readable by a computer. (The same applies throughout this specification.)

<Embodiment 1: Process Flow 2> FIG. 5 shows an example of the hardware process flow of the content reproduction system in the display device of the first embodiment. First, the server device transmits symbol image information in association with the content identification information to the client device via the IZO controller (symbol image information transmission step S0501). Next, symbol image information associated with the content identification information is received from the server device via the I / O controller (symbol image information receiving step S0502). Next, the received symbol image information is temporarily stored in a memory such as a hard disk or DRAM, and expanded in a drawing memory in accordance with an output command or the like (symbol image information expansion step S0503). Further, a symbol image is drawn based on the developed symbol image information and displayed on the display (display step S0504).

[0034] It is confirmed whether selection of content such as a touch on the display is detected (content selection detection step S0505). When the selection of content is detected, it is transmitted to the CPU via the selection command Sl / O controller including information on the area touched on the display (selection command transmission step S0506). If selection of content is not detected, the content selection detection step (S0505) is repeated. Next, content identification information is identified from the information of the touched area (content identification information identification step SO 507). Finally, the content entity file is executed, and the specified content is reproduced (content reproduction step S0508).

[0035] <Embodiment 1: Effect> In the present embodiment, a server apparatus that transmits symbol image information to a client apparatus in association with content identification information, and a symbol that is output by outputting the received symbol image information. And a client device capable of selecting content to be played back based on image information. By outputting the symbol image information transmitted from the server device, the content image can be visually recognized even when the content has not been viewed. Further, since the symbol image information is transmitted from the server device, it can be used even when the client device does not have the symbol image information. [0036] Kuku embodiment 2 >>>

<Embodiment 2: Overview> Embodiment 2 will be described. The present embodiment is characterized in that when content is played back on a client device, status information that is information indicating the status of playback is acquired and uploaded to the server device. It is a content playback system.

<Embodiment 2: Configuration> FIG. 6 shows an example of functional blocks in the present embodiment. The “content playback system” (0600) of this embodiment shown in FIG. 6 includes a “server device” (0610) and a “client device” (0620). The server device (0610) includes a “symbol image information holding unit” (0611), a “symbol image information transmission unit” (0612), a “situation information storage unit” (0613), and “symbol image information”. The client device (0620) includes a “symbol image information receiving unit” (0621), a “symbol image information output unit” (0622), and a “content selection unit” (0623). ), “Content playback unit” (0624), “Reproduction content identification information acquisition unit” (0625), “Status information acquisition unit” (0626), and “Situation information holding unit” (0627) And a “status information upload unit” (0628).

[0038] "Reproduction content identification information acquisition unit" (0625) is a reproduction that is content identification information of the content being reproduced when the content reproduction unit (0624) is reproducing the content. Get content identification information. The content being played back can be specified by the playback content identification information.

The “situation information acquisition unit” (0626) acquires the situation information when the content reproduction unit (0624) is reproducing the content. The “situation information” is information indicating a situation where the reproduction is performed, and includes time information indicating the reproduction time, geographical information indicating the reproduction place, weather information indicating the weather at the reproduction place, and the like. The time information corresponds to information on the date, time, season, and holidays. The time information can be acquired from the internal clock of the client device during content playback. The geographical information corresponds to information about the location obtained from the GPS etc. provided in the client device. Geographical information may be represented by latitude, longitude, address, etc., or a category (eg, city, seaside, green space, etc.) to which the location derived from the information belongs is retrieved from a database. It is good. In addition, the weather information includes information that shows conditions such as sunny and rain, Applicable to temperature and humidity. Weather information can be obtained from a thermometer or hygrometer, and by passing the previous time information and geographical information to a weather server. In addition, when the client device is provided in a vehicle or the like, the situation information may include information indicating whether or not the vehicle is currently moving (running), a moving speed, and the like. The status information may be automatically acquired for each playback content or every predetermined time, or may be acquired in response to a user operation.

[0040] The "situation information holding unit" (0627) uses the playback content identification information acquired by the playback content identification information acquisition unit (0625) as status information acquired by the status information acquisition unit (0626). Keep associated. It is possible to compare the content being played back that can be specified by the playback content identification information and the situation in which the playback is being performed. For example, it is possible to recognize the relevance of specific content being played back frequently on rainy days. A plurality of situation information may be associated with one piece of playback content identification information.

The “situation information upload unit” (0628) uploads the situation information held in the situation information holding unit (0627) to the server device in association with the reproduction content identification information. The upload may be performed each time new status information is acquired and held, or may be performed every predetermined time or based on a request from the user.

The “situation information accumulation unit” (0613) accumulates the situation information uploaded from the situation information upload unit (0628) of the client device in association with the reproduction content identification information. The status information associated with the playback content identification information is received and stored. Even if the same status information is stored, it may be stored redundantly or may be stored by overwriting.

The “symbol image information adding unit” (0614) associates the symbol image information with the symbol identification information based on the situation information stored in the situation information storage unit (0613) and the symbol image information holding unit (0611). ). This is assumed to be realized by generating symbol image information based on the situation information. For example, symbol image information indicating a rain image is generated based on the situation information that the image is played back on a rainy day. ,to add. Alternatively, symbol image information indicating a rain image may be retrieved from a symbol image information database or the like and acquired. The addition may be performed only when situation information exceeding a predetermined number is accumulated. In other words, when the situation information that a certain number of users are playing back on a rainy day is uploaded for specific content, symbol image information based on the situation information may be added. Search the symbol image information holding unit and check if the symbol image information to be added is held and check if it is stored. As well. The added symbol image information is transmitted to the client device as necessary.

[0044] The processing of other units is the same as in the first embodiment.

<Second Embodiment: Process Flow> FIG. 7 shows an example of a process flow of a content reproduction method in the content reproduction system of the second embodiment. First, when the client device detects content selection on the touch panel display, a selection command including information on the touched area is sent to the CPU via the I / O controller. Communicated. The content can be identified from the information in the touched area, and the identified content is reproduced by executing the content entity file (content reproduction step S0701). In order to identify the content, the content identification information is derived from a table associated with display area information. At this time, when content is being played back, playback content identification information that is content identification information of the content being played back is acquired (playback content identification information acquisition step S0702). Furthermore, when content is being played back, status information that is information indicating the status of playback is acquired (situation information acquisition step S0703). This is assumed to be obtained from a clock, GPS, external server, etc. Next, the status information acquired in the status information acquisition step (S0703) is uploaded to the server device in association with the playback content identification information acquired in the playback content identification information acquisition step (S0702) ( Status information upload step S0704).

On the other hand, in the server device, the symbol image information is added to the symbol image information holding unit in association with the content identification information based on the situation information uploaded in the situation information upload step (S0704) (symbol image information). Information addition step S0705 ). Further, the held symbol image information is transmitted to the client device in association with the content identification information (symbol image information transmission step S0706). Thereafter, the client device receives the symbol image information, outputs the received symbol image information, and selects the content to be reproduced based on the output symbol image information. This is the same as the process flow of 1.

[0047] <Embodiment 2: Effect> In this embodiment, when content is played back on a client device, status information, which is information indicating the status of playback, is acquired. A content reproduction system characterized by uploading to a device. Based on the information indicating the situation in which the client device is being played back, the symbol image information is added and held in the server device, so that a symbol image suitable for playing back the content is accurately acquired. It will be. In addition, by acquiring a lot of situation information from a plurality of client devices, it is expected that the database will be enhanced and the accuracy of the image indicated by the symbol image information will be improved.

[0048] Kuku embodiment 3 >>>

<Embodiment 3: Overview> Embodiment 3 will be described. The present embodiment is a content playback system characterized by acquiring image information created by a client device and uploading it to a server device.

<Embodiment 3: Configuration> FIG. 8 shows an example of functional blocks in the present embodiment. The “content reproduction system” (0800) of this embodiment shown in FIG. 8 includes a “server device” (0810) and a “client device” (0820). The server device (0810) includes a “symbol image information holding unit” (0811), a “symbol image information transmission unit” (0812), a “symbol image storage unit” (0813), and a “symbol image information” The client device (0820) includes a “symbol image information receiving unit” (0821), a “symbol image information output unit” (0822), and a “content selection unit”. (0823), “content playback unit” (0824), “image information acquisition unit” (0825), “content identification information acquisition unit” (0826), “image information holding unit” ( 0827) and a “symbol image information upload unit” (0828).

The “image information acquisition unit” (0825) acquires image information. Image information It can be obtained by creating (photographing) and inputting. Alternatively, it may be obtained from a portable medium (IC memory, DVD, etc.).

The “content identification information acquisition unit” (0826) acquires content identification information. The content identification information can be acquired by associating with the previous image information by the user.

[0052] The "image information holding unit" (0827) associates the image information acquired by the image information acquisition unit (0825) with the content identification information acquired by the content identification information acquisition unit (0826). Hold. A plurality of pieces of image information may be associated with one piece of content identification information.

The “symbol image information upload unit” (0828) uploads the image information held in the image information holding unit (0827) to the server device as symbol image information associated with content identification information. Uploading may be done each time new image information is acquired and stored. By uploading the image information as a symbol image, the image created by the user can be transmitted from the server device to other client devices.

The “symbol image storage unit” (0813) stores the symbol image information uploaded from the symbol image upload unit (0828).

The “symbol image information second adding unit” (0814) associates the content identification information with the symbol image information stored in the symbol image storage unit (0813) to associate the symbol image information holding unit (0811). Add to The added symbol image information is transmitted to the client device as necessary.

[0056] The processing of each other unit is the same as in the first embodiment.

<Embodiment 3: Process Flow> FIG. 9 shows an example of the process flow of the content reproduction method in the content reproduction system of the third embodiment. First, the client apparatus acquires image information (image information acquisition step S0901) and acquires content identification information (content identification information acquisition S0902). The acquisition of image information and content identification information is assumed to be acquired from the I / O controller through external input. Next, the image information acquired in the image information acquisition step (S0901) Upload to the server device as symbol image information associated with the content identification information acquired in the content identification information acquisition step (S0902) (symbol image upload step S0903).

On the other hand, in the server device, the content identification information and the symbol image upload step (S0903) force are added to the symbol image information holding unit in association with each other (symbol image information second addition step). S0904). Further, the stored symbol image information is transmitted to the client device in association with the content identification information (symbol image information transmission step S0905). Thereafter, the client device receives the symbol image information, outputs the received symbol image information, and selects the content to be played back based on the output symbol image information. This is the same as the flow of processing.

<Embodiment 3: Effect> This embodiment is a content reproduction system characterized by acquiring image information created by a client device and uploading it to a server device. By uploading the image information as a symbol image, the image created by the user can be transmitted from the server device to another client device. It can be expected that the variation of symbol images will spread.

[0060] Kuku Embodiment 4 >>>

<Embodiment 4: Overview> Embodiment 4 will be described. The present embodiment is a content reproduction system characterized in that situation information and the like are uploaded in association with client identification information.

<Embodiment 4: Configuration> FIG. 10 shows an example of functional blocks in the present embodiment. The “content reproduction system” (1000) of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 10 includes a “server device” (1010) and a “client device” (1020). The server device (1010) includes a “symbol image information holding unit” (1011), a “symbol image information transmission unit” (1012), a “situation information storage unit” (1013), and a “symbol image information addition unit”. The client device (1020) includes a “symbol image information receiving unit” (1021), a “symbol image information output unit” (1022), and a “content selection unit” (1023). “Content playback unit” (1024), “situation information acquisition unit” (1025), “playback content identification information acquisition unit” (1026), “situation information holding unit” (1 027), a “status information uploading unit” (1028), and a “client identification information holding unit” (1029). This functional block diagram is based on the second embodiment. Force Other components are required when other embodiments are used as a basis.

The “client identification information holding unit” (1029) holds client identification information. The client identification information is information for identifying a client device and a user who uses the client device. In the former case, the client identification information corresponds to the MAC address, IP address, serial number, phone number of the client device or mobile phone connected to it, and the like. In the latter case, it is assumed that the client identification information entered when the user uses the client device is retained. The client identification information includes user ID and password. Client identification information should be stored in the tamper-resistant area.

The “situation information upload unit” (1028) uploads the situation information in association with the client identification information. Since the client device and user can be specified by the client identification information, authentication processing can be performed to determine whether or not the user has the authority to upload the situation information. At this time, authentication processing may be performed within the client device, or client identification information may be transmitted to an external authentication server or the like that performs authentication processing, and authentication may be performed based on the returned result. Furthermore, it can be recognized that the status information is from a specific user (eg, DJ, movie critic, etc.). The client device can hold the symbol image information based on the situation information associated with the client identification information and transmit it to the server device as necessary. For example, the user can identify the client name of a specific celebrity from the client device. Information can be specified and a symbol image information transmission command can be output to the server device.

[0064] Also, based on Embodiment 3, when the "symbol image upload unit" is a constituent element, the symbol image upload unit uploads the symbol image information in association with the client identification information. Similarly, since the client device and the user can be specified by the client identification information, an authentication process can be performed to determine whether or not the user has the authority to upload the image information created by the user as symbol image information. Furthermore, it can be recognized that the image information is from a specific user (eg, DJ, movie critic, etc.). Kula The client device can store the symbol image information based on the image information associated with the client identification information and send it to the server device as necessary. For example, the client device can identify the client identity of a specific celebrity from the client device. By designating information, a command to send symbol image information can be output to the server device.

The processing of the other units is the same as in the second and third embodiments.

<Embodiment 4: Process Flow> FIG. 11 shows an example of the process flow of the content reproduction method in the content reproduction system of the fourth embodiment. First, when the selection of content is detected on the touch panel display, the selection command force including the information on the touched area is sent to the CPU via the controller. Communicated. The content can be identified from the information in the touched area, and the identified content is reproduced by executing the content actual file (content reproduction step S1101). At this time, when content is being played back, playback content identification information that is content identification information of the content that has been played back is acquired (playback content identification information acquisition step S1102). To identify the content, the content identification information is derived from a table associated with the display area information. In addition, when content is being played back, status information that is information indicating the status of playback is acquired (situation information acquisition step S1103). This is assumed to be obtained from a clock, GPS, external server, etc. Next, client identification information is acquired (client identification information acquisition step S1104). At this time, it is assumed that the client identification information is acquired from the external input through the I / O controller. The situation information is uploaded to the server device in association with the reproduction content identification information and the client identification information (situation information upload step S1105).

On the other hand, in the server device, symbol image information is added to the symbol image information holding unit in association with the content identification information based on the situation information uploaded in the situation information upload step (S1105) (symbol image information). Information adding step S1106). Further, the held symbol image information is transmitted to the client device in association with the content identification information (symbol image information transmission step S1107). Thereafter, the client device receives symbol image information, and receives the received symbol. The step of outputting image information and the step of selecting content to be reproduced based on the output symbol image information are the same as the processing flow of the first embodiment.

<Embodiment 4: Effect> This embodiment is a content reproduction system characterized by uploading situation information in association with client identification information. Client identification information can be used to identify the client device or user and perform authentication processing to determine whether or not the user has the authority to upload various information. This effectively prevents unauthorized users from uploading and allows the content playback system to be used safely.

Furthermore, the user can specify client identification information of a specific celebrity (for example, DJ, movie critic, etc.) from the client device and output a symbol image information transmission command to the server device. This makes it possible to acquire symbol image information for reproducing content under the same situation as when a specific celebrity reproduced content, or image information created by a specific celebrity as symbol image information.

[0070] Kuku embodiment 5>

<Embodiment 5: Overview> Embodiment 5 will be described. This embodiment is a content reproduction system characterized in that the server device generates billing information based on the client identification information.

<Embodiment 5: Configuration> FIG. 12 shows an example of functional blocks in the present embodiment. The “content playback system” (1200) of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 12 includes a “server device” (1210) and a “client device” (1220). The server device (1210) includes a “symbol image information holding unit” (1211), a “symbol image information transmission unit” (1212), a “situation information storage unit” (1213), and a “symbol image information addition unit”. Section ”(1214), a“ client identification information acquisition section ”(1215), and a“ billing information generation section ”(1216). The client device (1220) includes a“ symbol image information reception section ”. (1221), “symbol image information output unit” (1222), “content selection unit” (1223), “content playback unit” (1224), “situation information acquisition unit” (1225), “playback” It has a “content identification information acquisition unit” (1226), a “situation information holding unit” (1227), a “situation information uploading unit” (1228), and a “client identification information holding unit” (1229). This functional block diagram is based on Embodiments 4 and 2. When it is based on state, other components are required.

The “client identification information acquisition unit” (1215) acquires client identification information associated with information uploaded from the client device. The status information uploaded from the client device is associated with the playback content identification information and the client identification information. Client identification information is acquired from this status information.

[0073] On the basis of Embodiment 3, when the "symbol image upload unit" is a constituent element, the client identification information acquisition unit acquires the client identification information associated with the symbol image information. The symbol image information uploaded from the client device is associated with the content identification information and the client identification information. Client identification information is acquired from this symbol image information.

The “billing information generation unit” (1216) generates charging information based on the client identification information acquired by the client identification information acquisition unit (1215). Billing information is information for imposing payment of consideration. Specifically, this information includes information for executing bank transfer processing, information for transferring electronic money, and information for transferring points that represent value. The billing information generated in the server device is generally assumed to be negative billing information. Since symbol image information can be added based on the situation information upload performed by the client device, there is a price that needs to be paid from the server device to the client device.

[0075] Further, in the case where the third embodiment is used as a base, symbol image information can be added based on the upload of symbol image information performed by the client device. Therefore, it is necessary to pay the client device from the server device. Some consideration is generated.

The processing of other units is the same as in the fourth embodiment.

<Embodiment 5: Process Flow> FIG. 13 shows an example of the process flow of the content reproduction method in the content reproduction system of the fifth embodiment. First, when the selection of content is detected on the touch panel display, the selection command force including the information on the touched area is sent to the CPU via the controller. Communicated. The content can be identified from the information of the touched area, and the identified content is played by executing the content actual file (content playback step). S1301). At this time, when the content is being played back, the playback content identification information that is the content identification information of the content that has been played back is acquired (playback content identification information acquisition step S1302). To identify the content, the content identification information is derived from a table associated with the display area information. Furthermore, when content is being played back, status information that is information indicating the status of playback is acquired (situation information acquisition step S1303). This is assumed to be obtained from a clock, GPS, external server, etc. Next, client identification information is acquired (client identification information acquisition step S1304). It is assumed that client identification information is acquired from the external input through the IZ controller. Further, the situation information is uploaded to the server device in association with the reproduction content identification information and the client identification information (situation information upload step S1305).

On the other hand, in the server device, client identification information associated with the situation information uploaded in the situation information uploading step (S 1305) is obtained (client identification information obtaining step S1306). Further, billing information is generated based on the client identification information acquired in the client identification information acquisition step (S1306) (charging information generation step S1307).

[0079] After that, the symbol image information adding step for adding the symbol image information to the symbol image information holding unit in association with the content identification information based on the uploaded situation information, and the held symbol image information as the content identification information The symbol image information transmission step to be transmitted to the client device in association with is the same as the processing flow of the fourth embodiment. In the client device, the step of receiving the symbol image information, the step of outputting the received symbol image information, and the step of selecting the content to be played back based on the output symbol image information This is the same as the flow of processing 1.

<Embodiment 5: Effect> This embodiment is a content reproduction system characterized in that the server device generates billing information based on the client identification information. By uploading the symbol image information based on the status information and created image information by the user, the client device can receive payment of the consideration. It can be expected to promote effects.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] a symbol image information holding unit for holding symbol image information for constituting a symbol image representing an image of content in association with content identification information;

A symbol image information transmitting unit that transmits the symbol image information held in the symbol image information holding unit to the client device in association with content identification information;

A symbol image information receiving unit for receiving symbol image information transmitted from the server device;

A symbol image information output unit for outputting the symbol image information received by the symbol image information receiving unit;

A content selection box for selecting content to be played based on the symbol image information output from the symbol image information output unit;

Content playback for playing content,

A client device comprising:

A content reproduction system comprising:

[2] The client device includes:

A reproduction content identification information acquisition unit that acquires reproduction content identification information that is content identification information of the content being reproduced when the content reproduction unit is reproducing content;

A situation information acquisition unit that acquires situation information, which is information indicating a situation in which reproduction is being performed, when content reproduction is performed in the content reproduction unit;

A situation information holding unit for holding the situation information acquired by the situation information acquisition unit in association with the reproduction content identification information acquired by the reproduction content identification information acquisition unit; and A situation information uploading unit for uploading the situation information to the server device in association with the reproduction content identification information;

The server device

Status information uploaded from the status information upload unit of the client device A status information accumulating unit for accumulating in association with reproduction content identification information, and adding symbol image information to the symbol image information holding unit in association with the content identification information based on the status information accumulated in the status information accumulating unit A symbol image information adding section;

The content reproduction system according to claim 1, further comprising:

[3] The content reproduction system according to claim 2, wherein the situation information acquisition unit acquires time information as the situation information.

[4] The content reproduction system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the situation information acquisition unit acquires geographical information indicating a reproduction place as the situation information.

[5] The content playback system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the status information acquisition unit acquires weather information indicating the weather at the playback location as the status information.

[6] The client device includes:

An image information acquisition unit for acquiring image information;

A content identification information acquisition unit;

An image information holding unit that holds the image information acquired by the image information acquisition unit in association with the content identification information acquired by the content identification information acquisition unit;

A symbol image uploading screen B for uploading image information held in the image information holding unit to the server device as symbol image information associated with content identification information;

Have

The server device

A symbol image storage unit for storing symbol image information uploaded from the symbol image upload unit of the client device;

A symbol image information second adding unit that associates content identification information with symbol image information stored in the symbol image storage unit and adds the content identification information to the symbol image information holding unit;

The content reproduction system according to claim 1, further comprising:

[7] The client device holds client identification information that holds client identification information. Part

7. The content reproduction system according to claim 2, wherein each upload unit uploads each information in association with client identification information.

[8] The server device includes a client identification information acquisition unit that acquires client identification information associated with information uploaded from the client device;

A charging information generation unit that generates charging information based on the client identification information acquired by the client identification information acquisition unit;

The content reproduction system according to claim 7, further comprising:

[9] A symbol image information transmission step of transmitting symbol image information for configuring a symbol image representing an image of content held in the server device to the client device in association with the content identification information;

A symbol image information receiving step for receiving the symbol image information transmitted in the symbol image information transmitting step;

A symbol image information output step of outputting the symbol image information received in the symbol image information receiving step;

A content selection step for selecting a content to be reproduced based on the symbol image information output in the symbol image information output step;

A content playback step for playing back the content;

A content playback method comprising: